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Regional Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA/ASIA) ProgramsHumanitarian Emergencies in the Asia-PacificPeople of the Asia-Pacific region are severely affected by natural hazards such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, landslides, volcanoes, droughts, tsunamis, and wildfires. Asia’s vulnerability is compounded by socio-economic conditions that steadily increase the impact of disasters. Demographic changes, urbanization, and environmental degradation have reduced the amount of habitable land available, forcing the settlement of hazard-prone, marginal lands such as flood plains and steep slopes. In addition to natural disasters, civil crises and complex emergencies also impede development in the Asia-Pacific region. Recent years, as in the U.S., have been a time of exceptional natural disasters in Asia, with tsunamis, typhoons, floods, droughts, and potential volcanic eruptions. Humanitarian emergencies in the region are also of an equally critical nature in areas troubled by conflict and civil strife, such as in Sri Lanka, the Mindanao region of the Philippines, East Timor, and Nepal. OFDA/ASIA ProgramsWith more than 15 declared disasters annually in the Asia-Pacific region, OFDA/ASIA coordinates and provides focused and timely assistance to various natural and man-made disasters. OFDA/ASIA plays a pivotal role in USG foreign policy engagement in Asia with countries and communities affected by disasters and humanitarian emergencies. With country responsibility from Pakistan to the Pacific Island nations, it maintains two regional offices and a staff of four regional advisors in Bangkok and Kathmandu and coordinates USAID emergency assistance activities in the region with other donors, stakeholders, and U.S. agencies, including the Department of Defense. OFDA/ASIA's assistance in complex emergencies includes life-saving support services like potable water, health, and shelters. OFDA/ASIA also emphasizes the need for protection of populations affected and displaced by conflict. In addition, the office plays an important leadership role in the Asia-Pacific region with a range of disaster preparedness and mitigation programs and activities that bring innovation and partnership among countries throughout the region. USAID/OFDA remains committed to assisting in the development of preparedness, mitigation, and emergency response capacities in the region for natural disasters and conflicts. Since 1995, the office has provided approximately $45.3 million for ongoing preparedness and mitigation projects throughout the region. To date in FY 2006, USAID/OFDA has provided more than $7.6 million for disaster preparedness and mitigation projects in the Asia-Pacific region. The two tables below offer further details on OFDA/ASIA's projects and funding levels. ContactWilliam Berger | |||
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