SEA Nations Call For Disaster Warning Systems
Josephine Roque - All Headline News Staff Writer Kuala Lumpur (AHN) - Foreign ministers from Southeast Asian nations call the for the establishment of disaster alert systems in the region. This is made more urgent considering the catastrophe that befell Indonesia by failing to warn of the tsunami last week that claimed at least 600 people. Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will issue a joint statement after their annual meeting. According to copy obtained by the AP, ministers highlighted "the importance of developing effective multi-modal and multi-hazard early warning systems to save lives and minimize damages." The statement did not point fault on Indonesian authorities for their inability to warn citizens of the incoming disaster despite being the worst-hit nation during the last Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami. The ASEAN statement emphasized their goal of fortifying disaster relief and emergency response in the region through the installation of early warning systems, accessing resources and holding joint exercises on search and rescue. The ASEAN members will also find financial contributions and suggest the use of a fund to amend early warning systems and check capabilities of member countries.
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