The International Training Course on Flood Disaster Risk Management in a changing climate (FDRM) had been designed to achieve the goal of creating flood resilient society. With rich experiences in providing similar courses for natural disaster mitigation at international level, ADPC provided a model training experience in this course by integrating study materials, case studies, audio-visual tools, field visits and interactive learning strategies. The course also presented flood preparedness and mitigation experience from severely affected countries like Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and many other continents such as Africa. Asia has more than its fair share of natural disasters, and floods account for 40 per cent of the natural hazards affecting the region. Every year, floods cause colossal loss of lives and properties, which severely setback the development process. The recent climate change, global warming, rapid urbanization and socio-economic disparity are making the world, particularly Asia, vulnerable to floods. The need to combat the perennial problem of floods and resultant destruction has been at the forefront concern for most Asian nations, which calls for a proactive approach in establishing disaster risk reduction regime for safer and sustainable development.

KEY ACTIVITIES

Conducting this training course for interested persons and professionals working with flood disaster risk management. The course was open to participants from all countries. Participation of decision-makers, elected and appointed national and local administrators, development and planning authorities, water engineers and flood control professionals, officials in urban planning, housing, public works, and water resource and management were especially encouraged. The course benefited private land developers, emergency response personnel, UN and other international agencies, and NGOs working on disaster mitigation.