2008-09 Major accoMplishMents

Fostering disaster-resilient communities through information, science, technology and exchange

looking toward the future

Pacific Disaster Center bridges the gap between the scientific

community and the professionals who plan for and respond to disasters.

through our offerings of strategic advice, professional services, tools

and technologies, we provide solutions that help foster better quality of

life for people and communities at risk.

PDC brings real-world experience and knowledge to meet the challenges

of complex disasters. Our disaster management experts and technical

analysts use innovative software applications, sophisticated modeling,

visualization, geospatial data — everything at our disposal — to foster

disaster resiliency.

Our team serves as a critical link in planning for and minimizing damage

from disasters. through close collaboration, PDC enables leaders to

expedite response and make appropriate long-term recovery decisions.

helping all individuals, and the generations that follow, to envision a

future they can embrace.

2008-09 Major accoMplishMents

pdc in actiondisaster events

exercise support

PDC helps emergency

managers, and

the communities

they serve, better

prepare for, respond

to and recover

from disasters by

providing a wide

range of products

and services — from

risk assessments and

information products,

to strategic analysis

and partnership

development, as

well as training and

exercises.

In Hawaii

In addition to the exercises listed in the National section of this report, PDC supported the following major exercises:

In the Region (and beyond)

* During severe storms and flooding on Oahu and Maui, PDC supported the Disaster Assistance and Recovery Centers located across both islands, and contributed to the development of a special operations website (DeCeMbeR 07–JANuARy)

* Modeling for possible impact of disabled satellite NROL-21 on re-entry (FebRuARy)

* Plume modeling for volcanic eruption and continuous sulfur dioxide emission at Kilauea (MARCh-DeCeMbeR)

* Imagery support for wildfires on island of Maui

(August)

* Cyclone Nargis in burma – Deployed gIs Analyst to uN-OChA (MAy)

* hurricane gustav in Louisiana – Deployed Disaster Manager specialist to the region (August)

* Managed International Charter: space and Major Disasters for hurricanes in haiti (August)

U.S. Civil-Military Exercises

* usARPAC Joint task Force homeland Defense (JtF-hD) Maritime security subject Matter expert exchange (sMee) and Command Post exercise (CPX) – saipan

* usARPAC JtF-hD All-hazards/terrorism and Communications sMee and CPX – American samoa, Majuro, Palau and yap

* usARPAC JtF-hD No-Notice Airport Disaster/Mass Casualty and Communications sMee and CPX – Pohnpei, Chuuk, Palau, Kwajalein, tinian, saipan and guam

* usARPAC JtF-hD Pandemic Influenza in-country planning and, separately, Pandemic Influenza and Communications sMee and CPX – saipan, Chuuk and yap

* usARPAC JtF-hD Lightning Rescue 2008 Pandemic Influenza field training exercise – Oahu

State of Hawaii

* Annual statewide Kai Mimiki Distant tsunami exercise

* Annual statewide Makani Pahili hurricane exercise

In the Region

* Multinational Planning Augmentation team (MPAt) tempest express 14 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia

* Mongolian emergency Preparedness and Risk Reduction Workshop and scenario-driven exercise – ulaan baatar, Mongolia

* MPAt tempest express 15 (te-15) staff Planning Workshop/exercise – bali, Indonesia

* AseAN Regional Disaster emergency Response simulation exercise (ARDeX) 2008 – Pattaya, thailand

pacific Disaster center’s role in [the recent damaging windstorm] provided a valuable resource that brought comfort and aid to many individuals and households who were affected by the weather.

Major General robert G. F. lee, aDjutant General oF the state oF hawaii

photo credit: noaa photo library

2008-09 Major accoMplishMentsi am writing to thank you for pDc’s support during the early stages of the Myanmar cyclone response. … please pass on my sincere appreciation to all of your staff involved in this response, and i look forward to our continued collaboration.

terje skavDal heaD unocha

reGional oFFice For asia anD the paciFic 2008

globalShock-and-Trends AnalysisPDC and the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) collaborated on a methodology for assessing risk and vulnerabilities at a national level. This tool supports identification of factors contributing to vulnerability and assesses events that will “shock” national capacities. The result was presented in the Disaster Risk Visualization and Analysis Tool (DRVAT).

This tool and associated methodology were tested during the forecast approach of Typhoon Nargis in Burma. DRVAT was used in the production of the document titled, Can We Recognize a Shock When We See It? analyzing the likely social, economic and political consequences of the cyclone. The analysis successfully predicted many of the consequences.

impact: understanding how the human factors — including social, economic and political realities —

contribute to risks, enables decision makers to better plan for and respond to disasters.

Global Risk and Hazard AtlasPDC introduced the Global edition of the Hazards and Vulnerabilities Atlas in 2008, expand-ing the Asia Pacific into a world-map view, and incor-porating additional data and hazard information. Some of the new data includes tropical rainfall measuring, flood history, meteorological information and global water levels. The expanded analytical and visualization functionality includes historical hazard filters for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami events and runups, wildfires, floods and storm tracks.

impact: with this atlas, communities all around the globe now have access to the early detection and

warning data previously available only for the asia pacific region.

Climate Change and Weather- and Water-related HazardsClimate change and variability will affect weather- and water-related disaster patterns for years to come. The following are some of PDC’s initiatives that illustrate the Center’s approach to these challenges:

• Flooding. PDC expanded the flood modeling capabilities in its integrated flood hazard mapping and analysis package. In addition, the Center expanded its partnership with Dartmouth Flood Observatory to gather and process water-related hazard data more effectively.

• International Expert Working Group. PDC co-sponsored a two-day International Expert Working Group meeting that included participation of two Nobel Laureates and many other distinguished senior executives. This meeting examined major impacts of climate change and variability on disasters, major issues affecting national security concerns, and recommended several means to move forward. PDC recruited a select group of subject matter experts to form an International Advisory Panel (IAP). The IAP members will conduct periodic meetings to pursue funding and projects in the subject area.

impact: understanding how climate change and variability can affect disaster patterns empowers

governments and agencies to better plan for and adapt to consequences.

between PDC and WRU to collaborate on strengthening disaster management capabilities in Vietnam. After the signing ceremony, WRU dedicated an office to PDC.

• Collaborations with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST). Through a series of high-level meetings, PDC and VAST developed a basis for long-term collaboration on applied research in the disaster management field.

impact: collaboration with vietnam’s practitioners and scientists is helping establish

international “best practices” in the country.

National Disaster Warning Center – Thailand (NDWC) PDC provided a system maintenance training course for NDWC’s tsunami warning system.

Thailand’s Secretary General of National Security CouncilMeetings were held in both Maui (PDC Office) and Bangkok (NSC Office) to explore development of disaster early warning systems and training programs. PDC also engaged PACOM staff to explore joint training opportunities in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) – Taiwan PDC and NCDR, entered into a memorandum of understanding to support joint disaster management capacity development activities in the region, including risk assessment methods, disaster early warning, and natural disaster impacts of climate change.

impact: Forging new partnerships and increas-ing collaboration with all levels of government

throughout the region supports a holistic planning process.

Busan City, Republic of Korea Following groundbreaking agreements signed in 2007 between PDC and local organizations, PDC worked with Busan Metropolitan City (BMC) leadership to organize and conduct an International Disaster Management ‘Best Practices’ Workshop.

i am writing to thank you for pDc’s support during the early stages of the Myanmar cyclone response. … please pass on my sincere appreciation to all of your staff involved in this response, and i look forward to our continued collaboration.

terje skavDal heaD unocha

reGional oFFice For asia anD the paciFic 2008

regionalASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) CollaborationPDC’s close collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) resulted in several major activities:

• Disaster Information Sharing and Communications Network (DISCNet). In collaboration with the Philippines, Singapore and Cambodia, PDC completed Phase I deploy-ment of the disaster information sharing application.

• Damage Assess-ment and Needs Analysis Training. Prior to Tropical Cy-clone Nargis, PDC was commissioned to develop a post-disaster damage as-sessment and needs analysis training course. The training was devel-oped and delivered to ASEAN member nations in Manila, Philippines.

• Official Meetings, Workshops, and Simulation Exer-cises. PDC participated in and contributed to many ACDM events, including the 11th and 12th ACDM meetings, work-shops, and the annual ASEAN Regional Disaster Simulation Exercise (ARDEX).

impact: continued collaboration increases institutional capacities in Disaster risk reduction in

the southeast asia region.

Vietnam Disaster Risk Reduction Program• U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Grant. PDC collaborated with the Disaster Management Center to prepare a proposal for technical assistance to enhance the nation’s flood early warning system. USTDA approved the $580,000 project for implementation for the FY09 funding cycle.

• Agreements with Water Resources University (WRU) and new PDC Office in Hanoi. A series of meetings with WRU culminated in signing a memorandum of understanding

nationalPDC expanded its data resources and applications, vulnerability analysis and outreach programs in support of our global missions to improve humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Joint U.S.-Indonesia Disaster Response Exchange and ExercisePDC participated in the PACOM (United States Pacific Command) Disaster Response Exchange and Exercise (DREE) in Padang, Indonesia, bringing together disaster response experts from around the world.

impact: strengthening civil-military communi-cation and humanitarian assistance missions in asia.

Collaborations Supporting Humanitarian Assistance MissionsThroughout 2008, PDC offered analytical support to PACOM for their humanitarian assistance missions. In addition to those included in PDC in Action and Key Conferences and Workshops, some highlights are:

• India-U.S. Disaster Relief Work Group Meeting & Disaster Relief Table Top Exercise. At the invitation of PACOM, PDC presented on information sharing strategies and applications supporting regional disaster risk reduction, and demonstrated various disaster management applications and tools.

• Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Assessment. PDC provided expert guidance in the information collection and analysis component of this high-level risk and vulnerability assessment activity. This information will be used to develop a program for future engagements in Bangladesh and will be a model for missions to other countries within PACOM’s area of responsibility.

• Crisis Management: Beyond Response & Recovery. PDC, the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) and Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (COE DMHA), co-sponsored a three-day seminar of senior leaders in the Asia Pacific region to examine the need for collaboration beyond disaster response and recovery.

Additionally PDC supported over 22 other humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises and events in the region.

impact: pDc has become a valuable partner in pacoM’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

exercises to save lives and families throughout the world.

hawaiiSupporting Homeland Security/DefenseHomeland security activities within the state were sup-ported by PDC throughout 2008. Some highlights include:

• Coastal Protection. In support of the Hawaii Buffer Zone Protection Plan, PDC produced specialized imagery of Oahu and provided it to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

• Multi-Agency Response Plan to Highly Pathogenic AI Animal Emergency. Coordinated and conducted an information exchange with both state and federal authorities.

• Hawaii Emergency Preparedness Executive Committee. PDC actively participated in monthly meetings, and continued to work with state and federal members to share information, and to develop ideas, tools, and methods to help react to human-caused hazards.

impact: pDc has become an essential partner of various homeland security/defense agencies,

helping to protect against threats to life and property.

Volcanic Gas-Plume Modeling PDC’s increased capabilities for plume modeling were put to use on the Big Island of Hawaii. Active vents at Kilauea began to emit potentially harm-ful levels of sulfur dioxide gas (SO

2).

Daily models were run to predict the movement of this gas and advise Civil Defense and other local officials as to potential threats.

impact: local authorities developed the capability to warn and evacuate local populations,

avoiding negative health effects and potential loss of life.

Tsunami Travel Time ModelingTsunami Travel Time maps model an easily understood estimate of when tsunami waves will arrive at particular locations. Working closely with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, PDC developed an application that automatically produces and updates maps of tsunami wave movement.

impact: this application increases tsunami early warning time for more accurate

evacuation decisions.

Asia Pacific Center for security studies (APCss)

Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN)

busan Metropolitan City - Rep. of Korea

Center of excellence in Disaster Management and humanitarian Assistance (COe-DMhA)

Dartmouth Flood Observatory

Department of Land and Natural Resources (hawaii) (DLNR)

Disaster Management Center (DMC) - Vietnam

earthquakes and Megacities Initiative (eMI)

east-West Center

environmental systems Research Institute (esRI)

Federal emergency Management Agency (FeMA)

hawaii state and County Civil Defense Agencies

National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) - thailand

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

National Weather service (NWs)

Pacific tsunami Warning Center (PtWC)

National science and technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) - taiwan

National security Council of thailand

Naval Postgraduate school (NPs)

Pacific Risk Management Ohana (PRiMO)

south Pacific Applied geoscience Commission (sOPAC) and disaster managers representing 17 Pacific Island Nations and states

sun Microsystems

united Nations Development Program (uN-DP)

united Nations Office for the Coordination of humanitarian Affairs (uN-OChA)

united Nations Platform for space-based Information for Disaster Management and emergency Response (uN-sPIDeR)

u.s. Department of Defense:

Joint task Force–homeland Defense (JtF-hD)

Office of Naval Research (ONR)

u.s. Army in the Pacific (usARPAC)

u.s. Army National guard

u.s. Pacific Command (PACOM)

u.s. Department of homeland security

u.s. Africa Command (usAFRICOM)

u.s. Northern Command (usNORthCOM)

u.s. Army Corps of engineers (usACe)

u.s. Coast guard

u.s. geological survey (usgs)

u.s. trade and Development Agency (ustDA)

university of hawaii (uh)

Vietnam Academy of science and technology (VAst)

Water Resources university (WRu) - Vietnam

partnerships

key conferences and workshops88th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society (Louisiana) JANuARy 20–24

U.S.-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation (Washington, DC) FebRuARy 25–27

First PACOM Humanitarian Assistance Conference (bangkok, thailand) MARCh 5–6

Eleventh Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia) MARCh 17–18

Civil Military Forum Humanitarian Assistance NGO Workshop (Washington, DC) APRIL 8

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Dialogue Among APEC Economies, International Organizations and the Private Sector on Emergency Preparedness (hanoi, Vietnam) APRIL 24–25

United Nations Conference for the Global and Regional Assessment of Risks Caused by Natural Hazards and Armed Conflicts (geneva, switzerland) APRIL 18

National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction International Training Workshop for Typhoon and Flood Disaster Risk Reduction (taipei, taiwan) MAy 5–9

USSOUTHCOM’s Caribbean Basin Energy Infrastructure Security Workshop (trinidad and tobago) MAy 14–15

Workshop on Information Sharing for Crisis Resiliency (Oahu) JuLy 8–11

University of Colorado – Natural Hazards Center 33rd Annual Hazards Research and Application Conference (Colorado) JuLy 12–16

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Task Force for Emergency Preparedness (TFEP) Second Emergency Management CEO Seminar (Lima, Peru) August 12–14

Expert Working Group Meeting on Climate Change and Variability: Shifting Risks (Oahu) August 14–17

Twelfth Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) (Pattaya, thailand) August 29

GIS Defence Asia-Pacific 2008: Geospatial Information for Operational Intelligence & Strategic Military Planning (singapore) sePteMbeR 15–18

UN SPIDER Workshop: Building Upon Regional Space-based Solutions for Disaster Management and Emergency Response for the Pacific Region (suva, Fiji) sePteMbeR 16–19

ASEAN Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis Workshop (Manila, Philippines) OCtObeR 8–18

2008 Resilience Summit: Rapid Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management Associated with Large-scale Social Crisis and Global Change (Washington, DC) OCtObeR 22–23

China Emergency Management Workshop (beijing, China) NOVeMbeR 10–18

Disaster Risk Management in Mountainous Areas - How to Reduce Vulnerability to Flash Floods and other related Phenomena (sponsored by The World Bank and Government of Vietnam) (hanoi, Vietnam) DeCeMbeR 15-17

1305 N. holopono street, suite 2 Kihei, hawaii 96753Phone (808)891-0525 Fax (808) 891-0526

info@pdc.org www.pdc.org

Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) develops and applies information and technology solutions to foster disaster-resilient communities. PDC was estab-lished by the u.s. government and is managed by the university of hawaii. the content of this document does not reflect the position or policy of the u.s. government.

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