Leverage on STI to strengthen disaster management

PUTRAJAYA: It is vital to leverage on the advancement of Science, Technology and Innovation ( STI) to enhance and strengthen disaster management, according to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.

“It's time to take the threat of natural disasters seriously. Indeed, a more holistic and innovative approach in addressing disasters is crucial in saving lives, properties and livelihoods from destruction and losses,” he said.

Madius said Malaysia had taken the lead towards the implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 by promoting dialogue and cooperation among scientific and technological communities, relevant stakeholders and policy makers to ensure a science-policy interface for effective decision-making in disaster risk management.

He said the Early Warning System ( EWS), led by the Meteorological Department, had been recognised in the Sendai Framework as an important factor in reducing the risk of death, injury, disease, loss of livelihood and damage to property from the disasters.

“The ability to deliver vital information and impact forecast to the right target groups allows for swift decision making and responses to protect people and their livelihoods,” he said at the 11th Session of Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System ( ICG-IOTWMS) here yesterday.

Madius speech was read by the ministry's Deputy Secretary- General ( Planning and Commercialisation) Kua Abun.

Meanwhile, Head of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of Unesco and ICG- IOTWMS Secretariat, Dr T Srinivasa Kumar said the IOTWMS, formed in response to the tragic tsunami on Decr 26, 2004, was fully functional in March 2013.

He said a stronger integration of tsunami early warning system into national and local disaster management and other public and private sector would enhance the sustainability of IOTWMS. — Bernama