The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has announced plans to expand the role of the disaster management centre, the AHA Centre, with the addition of a Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance in Indonesia to respond to disasters within and outside of Southeast Asia, the Asia Insurance Review reported.
The AHA Centre was first established in 2011 to enable cooperation among ASEAN member states and international organisations for disaster management and emergency response, and partners with the UN, NGOs, and the private sector in disaster management.
Singapore Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, K Shanmugam, said at an ASEAN disaster management session, that in an effort to improve disaster resilience in the region, the scope of the centre would be broadened; “In so far as our help is needed, the AHA Centre will coordinate it. The AHA Centre can develop disaster management expertise that is specific to this region, which is the primary theatre of operations.
“We will continue to work closely with other experts in disaster management, tap on their knowledge, capabilities and capacity, and ensure that we can respond as efficiently and effectively as possible when disaster strikes.”
