The Asia Pacific region faces heavy human and economic losses from disasters, whose frequency and intensity is increasing drastically in recent years. The evidence from the Indonesian Tsunami , Kashmir and China earthquakes, Cyclone Nargis, Pakistan Flood, Afghanistan blizzard, and other events happening in the region and around the world undoubtedly reflect the level of devastation that disasters can bring.

To reduce the impact of disastrous events on communities and support development sustainability, the DMC course aims to provide necessary and useful fundamental knowledge and skills of disaster management to enhance the capabilities of managers who have key disaster management responsibilities. The subjects covered in the DMC-41 are multi-hazard, multi-level, multi-agency, and multi-disciplinary, and address both event-related activities as well as those activities which need to be undertaken on a day-to-day basis prior to the occurrence of events. The course is designed to enable professionals working in disaster management, development and donor agencies to effectively integrate disaster management into their programs and policies. Participants will be encouraged to develop key skills and adopt proactive attitudes through participation in interactive lectures and reflection on a range of key issues raised during discussions and practical activities.

By completing the course, participants should gain a sound grasp of disaster management processes and be able to apply this knowledge to:

• Identify and assess disaster risks using a risk management approach
• Plan and develop effective strategies and systems for disaster risk reduction
• Develop effective processes for preparedness planning in order to improve disaster response and recovery activities
• Effectively and efficiently set up and utilize an emergency coordination center to manage disaster events
• Address and assess key implementation issues and requirements in disaster management

Conducted over a period of three weeks, the course is divided into eight modules following the flow of the disaster management process:

Module 1: Introduction to Disaster Management

• Global disaster risk situation
• Basic concepts and terminologies used in disaster management
• Overview of Disaster Management

Module 2: Disaster Risk Identification and Assessment

• Introduction to disaster risk management processes
• Introduction to hazards Hazard, vulnerability, capacity and risk assessment

Module 3: Disaster Risk Reduction

• Disaster and development
• Prevention and Mitigation framework
• Mainstreaming DRR in development planning
• Disaster risk reduction practices

Module 4: Disaster Preparedness Planning

• Overview of preparedness planning processes and concepts
• Preparedness planning processes in key areas such as: Setting up a preparedness planning committee; Achieving agreement on preparedness arrangements; Documenting preparedness arrangements; Conducting preparedness training; Testing preparedness arrangements

Module 5: Emergency Response

• Emergency response management principles and concepts
• Key response implementation considerations
• Use of emergency coordination centers ICT in emergency responses

Module 6: Disaster Recovery

• Disaster recovery and reconstruction: concepts, practice and guidelines
• Damage and loss estimation in recovery planning

Module 7: Making Disaster Management Work

• Cross-cutting considerations
• Working with multi-agency teams
• Policy, legal and institutional frameworks
• Public communication Media in disaster management

Module 8: Re-entering the Real World: Making a Difference

• Development of personal action plans

Note: The above contents are shown for guidance only. ADPCs ongoing course improvement process may lead to some changes in topics and structure.

The participants who are most likely to benefit from the course are:

• Government Officials responsible for disaster management policy and plans
• Staffs of UN agencies, IFRC/ICRC, international NGOs, NGOs involved in the areas of disaster risk reduction, response and recovery
• Staffs from training institutes and other agencies responsible for knowledge dissemination on disaster risk reduction and management, as well as training of trainers
• Persons involved in coordination of disaster management activities (e.g. including also the defense forces and emergency services)

The content of the course concentrates on an Asia context with some references from other regions. However, both Asian and non-Asian participants are highly welcome. All representatives from the different regions, organizations and backgrounds are encouraged to interact, discuss, and make connections to ensure the greatest benefit is gained from attending the course.

The class size is limited to 30 persons. ADPC accepts nomination on a first come, first served basis provided the applicant meets the course requirement.

Language
All teaching and reference materials are in English. Participants must be fully conversant in English.

Accommodation
Applicants are highly recommended to stay at the hotel where the training is held. The room rate is approximately US$ 60-80 per single occupancy room per night including daily buffet breakfast.

Course Fee
Package A with accommodation: US$3,950
Package B without accommodation: US$2,750

The standard course fee of US$3,950 covers the course tuition, training materials, accommodation with breakfast (20 nights), two break refreshments & lunch during the training, and study visits. Participants will be responsible for their own travel expenses and arrangements, airport transfers, visa application, lunch on weekends, all dinners, health/accident insurance, and other personal expenses.

Participants who wish to seek own accommodation can choose an alternative course fee package B of US$2,750. Please indicate your preference clearly in the application form.

Registration
Interested persons can apply as individuals although preference will be given to those sponsored by the organizations. An application form can be downloaded below.

Application form should be submitted to ADPC by 23rd December 2011 through email, fax or postal mail. Pre-course information will be provided once you have been accepted for the course.

Payment
If you are selected to attend the course, the payment should be transferred to ADPC account through bank or International Demand Draft (DD) no later than 5th January 2012. Otherwise, your participation will be cancelled. Please note that personal cheques are not accepted as a form of payment.

Cancellations
If you are unable to attend, a substitute applicant is welcome to attend in your place, provided the participation criteria described above have been met. Cancellation of attendance should be notified at least 3 weeks prior to course commencement; in which case, a full refund less 15% of course fee for banking charges and administrative costs will be made. No refunds are available for cancellation within 3 weeks prior to course commencement.