Bandar Seri Begawan - The Asean Committee on Science and Technology (Cost) needs to come up with a "tangible and measurable roadmap" to improve the disaster warning systems of member states and establish a more efficient communication network to alert one another on impending disasters, the Deputy Minister of Development said recently during the 13th Mean Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology in Singapore.

In his statement to the ministers responsible for science and technology, Cato Paduka Dr Hj Mat Suny Hj Mohd Hussein cited a report from the Asian Development Bank which deduced that Southeast Asia was likely to experience the effects of climate change, more so than the rest of world, should the global trends continue. This was evident in the recent typhoons and tsunami devastated the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.

He recalled the Cha-am Hua Hin Statement on East Asia Summit Disaster Management.

The statement calls for the strengthening of capacities of countries in the region in terms of policies, plans and procedures, and also the training of personnel and the interoperability of mechanisms.

Brunei Darussalam, supports initiatives in promoting a better understanding of natural disasters through science and technology," he said.

In light of introducing facilities for disaster preparedness, the deputy minister said that sound engineering and construction principles should be promoted and enforced to protect land, natural resources and cultural heritage. In this regard, he suggested Cost could look into joint research activities in design and construction engineering, develop structural and non-structural systems and best practices to reduce risks associated with flood hazards.

"Brunei Darussalam as part of its effort to address national disaster management has reviewed and made improvements to its preparedness, response and recovery action plans. In addressing flood-prone areas, Brunei is expediting the implementation of ongoing and new infrastructure projects," he said.

He also welcomed other member states to take a closer look at the projects.

"Brunei fully subscribes and believes that our cooperation, collaboration and joint research activities in addressing these global challenges and natural disasters should be undertaken with the guiding principle that all member states should have the opportunity to participate and contribute to regional multilateral science and technology collaborative activities, including research and development programmes, on an equal and voluntary basis, in accordance with our respective capacities and national priorities," he said.

The 13th Mean Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology took place on November 6 and 7, and was chaired by S Iswaran, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry of Singapore.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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written by Antone P. Braga , November 08, 2009

What does anyone expect when the public does not have access to basic rights and information?

Do you have a moment to look over important disaster information? US President Obama did.

One of the most important factors in disaster preparedness/recovery is to be informed:

When the dust settles, who will carry the mantle for disaster survivors? This should help understanding: What do you expect in case of an insured loss? Are You Disaster Ready (hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, fire, etc.)? http://www.disasterprepared.net/whitehouse.html

Thank you for any consideration you may give.

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