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Updating of Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment For Quezon City - 2022

One of the two major tracks of this project was to update the hazard and risk assessments of Quezon City for earthquakes, floods, landslides and climate change. The outputs are core to all planning processes of the city including government-required contingency plans, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (LDRRMP), Climate Change Action Plan, Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), and Physical Framework and other local development plans. A high-resolution exposure database served as input to the hazard and risk assessment models. Indicators, hotspot barangays (village), web-based data sharing platform, and a risk profile and atlas were provided as additional tools for planning, monitoring, evaluation and to support data-driven and science-based barangay level and community level planning and preparedness efforts.

The second track of the project focused on the development of tools and roadmap for managing complex emergencies. This track was supported by a shelter analysis and resource needs analyses. Extensive IEC materials were developed and provided to the city government to use as reach out materiel for awareness raising. Climate change and gender considerations for all products are prioritized in the development process. Consultative and training workshops were held throughout the duration of the project.

The particular tasks and deliverables of the project included:

1. Collected data from various city government departments and relevant national government agencies and conducted consultations with the different data holders regarding data organization, structure and metadata collection,
   
2. Digitized and transformed relevant data into editable GIS formats to generate the exposure database
   
3. Prepared the GIS platform in consultation with the technical working group and relevant IT specialists in the city, which included the determination of the architecture, software, and hardware required for the GIS platform
   
4. Trained personnel of Quezon City on the use of the GIS platform integrating the developed platform with existing database systems of the city government.
   
5. Reviewed previous risk assessment studies to determine applicable analysis methods, limitations, and resolution for generated data and modeling
   
6. Completed a building level earthquake hazard and risk analysis for M7.2 earthquake scenario of the West Valley Fault. Calculated loss parameters and aggregate by the 142 barangays (i.e., districts) of the city.
   
7. Developed climate impact flood risk study
   
8. Provided climate change projections for rainfall, temperature, climate extreme projections, tropical cyclones frequency and severity, and impact on the City's mission essential functions.
   
9. Completed an RCP 8.5 100-year flood susceptibility analysis at street level resolution
   
10. Completed a high resolution landslide susceptibility analysis.
    
11. For each of these hazards, completed an assessment of the impacts on population, buildings, critical point facilities, and infrastructure for the 142 barangays (or districts) of the city.
    
12. Assessed the impact of secondary effects such as the spread of waterborne diseases for the flood hazard or liquefaction and fire following for the earthquake hazard.
    
13. Develop a scenario for how such hazard impact can determine the parameters of complex emergencies and their management process.
    
14. Developed high-resolution maps to pinpoint spatial distribution of the severity of hazards and risks together with exposed assets, resources, and population.
    
15. Identified hotspot barangays and developed maps to display their spatial distribution in Quezon City to identify areas where in all likelihood the impacts will be the greatest.
    
16. Generated narratives on the city’s history, development patterns, neighborhood structures, community engagement, demographics, natural environment, administrative structure, emergency management organization, DRR activities and gains, and information on hazards, vulnerability and risk through the Risk Profile and Atlas
    
17. Developed web-based visualization tools such as Salesforce's Tableau to turn the database into a user- friendly web-based knowledge sharing platform and enable seamless and instantaneous sharing of data generated among relevant stakeholders
    
18. Conducted shelter analysis to identify locations of all resources, including district evacuation sites of the city government and inform solutions that shall support off-site and remote operations for Quezon City
    
19. Conducted resource needs analysis that provides baseline information for recovery of mission essential functions following any major disruption.
    
20. Conducted training/workshop in order to train/capacitate personnel and community stakeholders at the barangays (village) on the various planning tools, techniques and skill sets employed in the conduct of the Risk Assessment Study, usage of tools for complex emergencies, including database management and maintenance of the GIS platform.
    
21. Integrated gender-sensitivity criteria to planning, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs, projects, and initiatives.
    

Pasig City Resilience to Earthquakes and Floods Project II - 2021

The main objective of the project was to strengthen and update the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management program of the Pasig city government. This project included a comprehensive analysis of the legal and institutional context in its situational analysis as a basis for DRM planning. EMI updated the landmark study in 2012 (Pasig City Resilience to Earthquakes and Flood) which provided DRM parameters, policies and plans which enabled the city to become a model in disaster risk reduction and management in the Philippines.

The project team carried-out the following services within the duration of the assignment:

1. Developed barangay (village) – level Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) plans according to government standards and requirements;
   
2. Identified hotspot barangays (i.e., most vulnerable barangays) for earthquake hazard, flood hazard and combined hazards.
   
3. Updated Geospatial Exposure Database (GSED) for the city with building-footprint resolution and including the latest information on earthquake and flood hazard, vulnerability and risk.
   
4. Conducted high-resolution Flood and Earthquake hazard and risk analysis. The earthquake analysis is at 260mx260m resolution, which is 16 times improvement in resolution than the previous study. The flood hazard is at street level resolution.
   
5. Updated the Pasig City Risk Profile and Atlas providing the latest exposure as well as the hazard, vulnerability and risk information for the city.
   
6. Developed DRRM for Health Emergencies according to Philippine Department of Health guidelines.
   

Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Response Capacity of Tanzania - 2020

The project is a technical assistance support to the Prime Minister’s Office - Disaster Management Department (PMO-DMD) to enhance disaster risk management focused on emergency preparedness and response capacity at the national level and support to the Dar es Salaam Multi-Agency Emergency Response Team (DarMAERT) for capacity building to reinforce its emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Through a co-design and participatory process with key stakeholders, the project carried out a complete diagnosis of Tanzania disaster risk management system at both the national and sub-national levels with the goal and provided a roadmap, an action plan and a training program to improve the current practice and the institutional readiness level and capacities.

The project completed the following deliverables for the national level track:

1. Legal and Institutional Arrangements in Disaster Risk Management study which entailed a review of the laws, policies, plans and regulations to align with international frameworks and global sound practices;
   
2. Update of the Tanzania Disaster Communication Strategy;
   
3. Capacity Needs Assessment for the National Emergency Operations and Communications Center (NEOCC) with recommendations to achieve Level 2: Evidence of Intermediate Implementation of the Building Block Approach and prescribe Management Structure of the Future NEOCC;
   
4. Update of the Tanzania Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan to add information for specific hazards or response functions.
   

The project project completed the following deliverables for the local level track:

1. Flood Contingency Plan;
   
2. Pandemic Continuity of Operations Plan;
   
3. Tsunami Contingency Plan;
   
4. Standard Operating Procedures for the Emergency Response Functions.
   

Urban Resilience Master Plan of The Wilaya of Algiers - 2018

The Algiers Plan Directeur de Résilience Urbaine (PDRU) is an ongoing project between EMI and the Government of Algeria that aims to improve the resilience of the Wilaya of Algiers to earthquakes, floods, landslides, and climate change. Its aim is to develop sectoral risk reduction strategies and related programs and actions through a new vision of a resilient Algiers. The project involves an intensive capacity development agenda as well as an awareness-raising program. The project is fully participatory, engaging more than 140 public, private, and civil society institutions organized in five (5) focus groups, an executive committee and a scientific consortium.

The study covers twelve sectors, namely:

• Emergency Management and Civil Protection
  
• Urban Development and Urban Planning
  
• Housing
  
• Construction Codes and Technologies
  
• Transportation and Urban Infrastructure
  
• Critical Infrastructure and Facilities
  
• Emergency Telecommunications
  
• Information Technology
  
• Waste Management
  
• Insurance and Risk Financing
  
• Information and Education Campaign
  
• Training and Capacity Building
  

Mainstreaming mechanisms are developed for these sectors for the hazards of Flood, Earthquake, Landslide and Climate Change Risk. The URM Plan is anchored in the legal and institutional arrangements (i.e., governance system) associated with each sector and a situational analysis detailing the current practice of each sector. Other key deliverables include the development of a high resolution geospatial exposure database and a risk profile and atlas.

Development and Implementation of a Disaster Risk Management Index (DRMI) for Dar es Salaam Region - 2018

In the effort to work towards a more resilient Dar es Salaam, the development and implementation of the Urban Disaster Risk Index (UDRI) was conceived to serve as the tool for assessing, benchmarking, monitoring and evaluating the future of DRM practice in the Dar es Salaam Region. The UDRI is a set of indicators aimed at assessing resilience in a specific geographical region. Once established, it can serve as a benchmark and be used by the main stakeholders to measure progress along each of the indicators representing both the physical and socio economic dimensions of disaster risk.

The particular set of indicators were customized to Dar e Salaam through an iterative consultation process with local stakeholders. Aside from the development of the UDRI, a handbook and a web-based visualization platform were developed to train and facilitate the hand-over of the tool to the local officials in charge of DRM. Specific DRM performance levels were co-developed with the stakeholders and aligned along a performance roadmap to provide more objectivity in future assessment exercises.

Philippine City Disaster Insurance Pool (PCDIP) - 2018

In support of the Philippine Department of Finance (DOF), the ADB engaged a consortium

led by RMS Inc., and supported by EMI, Vivid Economics (VE), and Willis Towers Watson (WTW), to develop a pioneering city catastrophe insurance pool for the Philippines. The structure of the PCDIP, pricing and coverage were anchored on a modeled index using the RMS earthquake and typhoon cat models for the Philippines. EMI led the development of the asset exposure database for the ten (10) cities of the Philippines that were selected to serve as pilot cities. Various data sources such as past studies, open and commercial sources, national government and local government repositories, and remotely sensed data served as basis in developing the exposure database. Each database included a comprehensive building inventory information such as land use pattern, building footprint, building geometry (height, number of storeys), structural class, occupancy type, construction era, and building cost value. The asset exposure databases informed the inputs to the RMS catastrophe model. The output of the catastrophe model included estimated potential losses due to earthquakes and typhoons.

EMI was also in charge of the organization of two national workshops. The first workshop provided an overview of disaster risk insurance as part of the strategy of the national government to build financial resilience amongst local government units. The concept, structure and working arrangements for the PCDIP were the focus of the agenda. In the second workshop, the ADB, DOF and the consortium presented the completed risk profiles of the 10 participating cities, the proposed pool structure and mechanism, and the proposed implementation mechanisms of the PCDIP. The project also delivered a comprehensive report on the government’s financial arrangements for post-disaster burden sharing between the national and local governments and made recommendations for improvements.

Training, Exercises and Drills (TED) Program for Dar Es Salaam Multi-Agency Response Team (DarMAERT) - 2017

The project aimed to build the capacities of DarMAERT to plan and provide emergency response and relief to the Dar es Salaam region for all types of emergencies and crises. An innovative approach using a building-block series of structured training, exercises and drills was used to gradually develop institutional competencies in operating and managing an emergency operations center according to the international best practices in emergency planning and response (EP&R). Each drill and exercise provided a series of tests to diagnose and improve the competencies and procedures of DarMAERT in EP&R communication, coordination and operations along pre-set “readiness” standards. Achieving a readiness level incorporated the co-development of particular elements of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of EP&R operations and of the Integrated Emergency Response Plan (IERP). These were in turn tested through functional exercises. This ensured continuous improvements in both the content of the SOPs and IERP as well as the competencies of the members of the DarMAERT.

In parallel, the program included the development and institutionalization of an operations framework that covered the inter and intra institutional relationships, roles and responsibilities within the members of DarMAERT founded on an in-depth analysis of the legal and institutional arrangements (LIA) of disaster management in the country. The local partner for the project was the Disaster Management Training Center (DMTC) of Ardhi University in Dar es Salaam. Ardhi contributed to all aspects of the project including local validation, case studies, the LIA analysis and EP&R situational analysis, the IEMS Competency Needs Assessment for DarMAERT, the modules of the TED, and all project’s presentations and reports.

Myanmar Earthquake Scenario Tabletop Exercise - 2017

Yangon City is Myanmar’s largest city in terms of population with over 4.5 million people. It is the country’s former capital and main business and commercial hub and international gateway. Unfortunately, the Yangon region is exposed to major earthquakes, having been hit by several earthquakes in the past that were caused by the nearby Sagaing Fault, a major tectonic feature that transects the country. EMI partnered with ActionAid to design and conduct an Earthquake Scenario Tabletop Exercise for the Yangon Region Natural Disaster Management Committee (YRNDMC) and other relevant stakeholders concerned with emergency preparedness and response (EP&R). The tabletop exercise was anchored on an assessment of a worst-case earthquake scenario rupturing Sagaing Fault. It elaborated a process for testing existing EP&R core functions, procedures and the capacities to respond to the impacts of the earthquake. The learning experiences from the Tabletop Exercise informed the participants on how to improve local and regional emergency/ disaster management policies, plans, and practices.

Preparing ABS-CBN To Manage Major Crises and Build Resilience - 2016

ABS-CBN Corporation is a leading media and entertainment private organization in the

Philippines. The company is involved in television and radio broadcasting and advertising, as well as in the production of television and radio programs for domestic and international audiences. Corporate resilience to external shocks, including natural disasters, is of primary concern to ABS-CBN considering its significant responsibility to disseminate news and information to the public. In light of this, the project equipped ABS-CBN management with the right tools and information to ensure it remains on air after natural and anthropogenic shocks.

Building Business Resilience: The PDRF Emergency Operations Center, Philippines Disaster Resilience Foundation Inc. - 2016

Produced a customized Disaster Information Management System for the EOC, emergency telecommunications capabilities, facilities and IT system design for the EOC, a design and operations framework for the EOC and response operations of the PDRF network. EMI also developed an EOC concept of operations and standard operating procedures. Additionally, EMI conducted training, exercises, and drills (TED) programs that enabled PDRF and its member companies to run and maintain the EOC. It included the development and implementation of an operations framework that covers inter and intra institutional relationships and dynamics.

EMI, adopting international emergency management standards and delivered the following components in setting up the PDRF Emergency Operations Center (EOC):

• EOC institutional structure and response operations of the PDRF network;
  
• Customized Disaster Information Management Systems;
  
• Emergency telecommunications capability (hardware and software);
  
• EOC Facilities Design;
  
• EOC IT system design (data center and cloud architecture; hardware and software);
  
• EOC Concept of Operations and Standard Operating Procedures; and
  
• TED programs that enable PDRF and its member companies to run and maintain the EOC on 24/7 full-time operations.
  

Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into Land Use Planning: Developing Competencies - 2015

The Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into Land Use Planning Project aims to further enhance the competencies of the Quezon City Technical Working Group (QC TWG) by designing mentoring sessions that promote knowledge sharing and sustains knowledge transfer. Tools will be utilized in the sessions to better understand the implications and requirements of mainstreaming DRR.The Project is co-funded by the Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation Inc. (OML Center).

Risk Sensitive Land Use Planning in Asia and the Pacific - 2015

EMI assisted ADB in implementing a regional technical assistance project to strengthen access to tools and guidelines on risk-sensitive land use planning (RSLUP) and urban development processes in the Asia-Pacific. EMI developed two case studies specific to Naga City (Philippines) on RSLUP and incentives for investing in urban DRM.

Strengthening Urban Communities’ Capacity to Endure Severe Shocks (SUCCESS) - 2014

EMI partnered with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to implement this USAID funded project. Strengthening Urban Communities’ Capacity to Endure Severe Shocks (SUCCESS) targets 43,200 poor individuals (7,200 households) in 15 high-risk, flood-prone barangays in and around Metro Manila, Philippines. Needs identified in flood prone areas include poor integration of disaster risk reduction into development planning and limited early warning systems that reach vulnerable households. EMI provided a detailed flood and storm surge hazard assessment that was validated by empirical experience from the stakeholders and served as the core planning data for capacity building and early warning components of the project.

Philippine Yolanda Recovery Case Study - 2014

The Yolanda Recovery Case Study (YRCS) presented the processes, standards and criteria being employed in recovery planning for Typhoon Yolanda, in order to meet the following objectives: (1) To serve as a possible baseline that the Philippine government can use to facilitate progressive reviews and corrections in the course of its reconstruction effort, (2) To document lessons and good practices of the Yolanda recovery effort in the Philippines, and (3) to contribute to the global knowledge on disaster recovery planning.

In developing the YRCS, EMI documented and analyzed several key aspects of the planning and initial implementation of Yolanda recovery with respect to the sectors of Livelihood and Housing:

• Disaster recovery standards and principles adapted by the Philippines for Typhoon Yolanda;
  
• Planning efforts of the Philippine government for making Yolanda recovery efficient, equitable and resilient;
  
• Policies, institutions and capacities of the Philippine government to implement and monitor disaster recovery from Typhoon Yolanda; and
  
• Ways and means for translating the gains of resilient recovery from Typhoon Yolanda into long-term risk reduction and resilient development in the Philippines.
  

Bangladesh Urban Resilience Project: Phase 1 and 2- 2012-2014

This project laid down the foundations for an agreement between the World Bank and the Government of Bangladesh for a multi-year investment in disaster risk reduction (DRR).

In Phase 1, the project delivered the following products:

1. Project Management Structure Report
   
2. Data Sharing Platform
   
3. Dhaka City Earthquake Risk Atlas and Guidebook
   
4. Legal and Institutional Arrangements Framework Guidebook
   
5. Dhaka Risk-sensitive Land Use Planning Guidebook
   
6. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Action Plan
   
7. Training and Capacity Building Action Plan
   
8. Delivery of a blended course on risk-sensitive land use planning
   

Phase 2 provided the opportunity to detail an initial investment plan to build the country’s capacity in DRR. It resulted in the development of a detailed investment plan with six (6) Project Development Objectives (PDOs) and 18 Development Project Proposals (DPOs) including specifications, quantities, and cost for each of the18 DPOs. It engaged the stakeholders to map out the appropriate mechanisms for the implementation of the DRR investment.

Building a Disaster Resilient Quezon City Project - 2012

The project was undertaken to improve the city’s resilience to disasters through assessing existing vulnerabilities and risks, optimizing existing investments and resources for disaster risk management, and aligning current practices with national laws and standards.

The project produced the following key deliverables;

• Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan for 2014-2020
  
• Quezon City Risk Profile and Atlas
  
• Situational Assessment Reports for Legal and Institutional Arrangements, Land Use Planning and Construction Codes & Standards, Emergency Management, Geographic Information System for DRRM, Quezon City Risk Profile
  
• Disaster Risk Geo-Spatial Database and User Manual for Risk Information Management
  
• Capacity Building Program for Emergency Management
  

Project Monitoring and Evaluation System for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management - 2012

The PEMSD is intended to be the Philippine Government’s web-based one-stop-shop coordination and M&E system on all pre and post disaster-related programs and projects carried out across the country.

Capacity Assessment of Hospitals in Luzon For Structural, Non-Structural and Functional Preparedness to Emergencies and Disasters - 2012

The project completed an assessment of the structural, non-structural, and functional vulnerability to natural hazards of 192 Class 3 and Class 4 hospitals for the Philippine Department of Health of the Philippines. It elaborated a program to upgrade and retrofit sub-standard hospitals with guidance for other health care facilities in the country. The aim is to improve the country’s preparedness for health emergencies. EMI experts composed of specialized structural engineers, architects and physical trauma and infectious diseases doctors developed the methodologies for the assessment of the hospitals, including structural evaluation standards for earthquake and wind engineering and empirical evidence from past earthquakes and tropical cyclone events worldwide. Non-structural standards were developed according to building code requirements for health care facilities. Functional requirements were developed according to standards for emergency medicine and for vector disease control. EMI also developed field assessment tools and guides to ensure a systematic and rigorous assessment process and a related training program to train engineers, architects and doctors on the procedures for assessment.

Earthquake Impact Assessment Services, Preparedness and Response - 2011

The Project aimed to improve ADB’s understanding of the potential impacts of a major earthquake on Metro Manila and to develop reasonable and practical recommendations regarding preparedness, response and business recovery for ADB operations. The Project provided a “Road Map” to build an internal ADB program focused on improving management and employee understanding of the risks. Phase I of the Project determined the hazardscape facing ADB in terms of a large earthquake in Metro Manila and their potential impact on the ADB facilities. It included identification and assessment of the aggravating factors from failure of public and commercial services and infrastructure, which ADB and its service providers rely on, including essential public services and supply networks of food, water, and electricity, as well as the public transportation and highway networks in Metro Manila. Phase 2 provided specific strategies and recommendations, as well as an implementation plan with priorities and cost to enhance ongoing ADB preparedness activities and to close vulnerability windows. The objectives were: first, to reduce downtime and protect critical business activities for ADB continuity of operations; and second, to minimize disruption to ADB employees and families and improve their security, safety, and well-being.

City Health Emergency Preparedness Assessment Status and Action Plan - 2011

WHO’s objective from this project was to assess the level of preparedness of countries in general, and cities in particular, for addressing the specific challenges posed by public health emergencies and disasters occurring in urban settings, primarily because the conditions in cities are unique and conducive to the spread of disease. The project focused on undertaking a detailed assessment of the health emergency risk management capabilities of the country’s financial and commercial center, Makati City.

The assessment aimed to:

• Pilot test the WHO guidelines on assessing urban health emergency preparedness;
  
• Conduct an analysis of existing health emergency/disaster preparedness policies, programs and practices in a particular urban setting;
  
• Examine the city’s health crisis preparedness status using an assessment questionnaire developed from the Draft Checklist for Guidance on Preparation for Health Crises in Cities; and,
  
• Provide a set of recommended actions through an indicative action plan and suggest specific mechanisms for follow-up.
  

Consultative Workshop on the WHO Indicators for the Assessment of Safe Hospitals in Emergencies and Disasters - 2011

EMI has worked with the World Health Organization in developing localized indicators for Safe Hospitals in Emergencies and Disasters. The main objective was to collect and synthesize the experiences of the World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines, and hospital facilities operators and administrators on the application of the Philippine Indicators for Safe Hospitals in Emergencies and Disasters.

Pasig City Resilience to Earthquakes and Floods Project I - 2011

The project team developed a comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management plan for earthquake and flood hazards including legal and institutional arrangements analysis, detailed risk assessments for earthquake and flood hazards, determination of hotspots, information, education and communication material, investment plan and priorities for risk reduction and mainstreaming mechanisms. A city risk profile and atlas was also completed.

Disaster Risk Management Office within Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and Competency Training - 2011

There are three main tasks in this project: (1) to provide the overall design and set up of the Disaster Risk Réduction (DRR) Office in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) based on the concepts of Incident Command System (ICS); (2) To formulate a two-year Action Plan for the DRR Office with related budget utilizing two budget approaches, namely, line-item and program based and considering increments in terms of positions, activities and equipment. (3) To conduct Competency Training on Emergency Management. This is a customized three-module training course exclusively for the stakeholders in ASEZA that covers EM competencies ranging from basic to intermediate level. These sessions were grouped into the following topics: 1) Emergency Operations Center operations; 2) Emergency Operations Plan, 3) Key Emergency Response Operations; and 4) Emergency Support Function Systems.

Disaster Risk Reduction in Greater Mumbai - 2009

EMI carried out the project titled “Disaster Risk Reduction in Greater Mumbai” for the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). The objective was to complete a disaster risk management master plan to serve as a roadmap for MCGM’s DRR and emergency management agenda for the decade 3009-2019. It involved Disaster and Climate Risk Management (DCRM) capacity and needs assessment, and development pathways for priority projects and investments with significant consideration to the legal and institutional context vis- à-vis global best practices and benchmarks.

This project also produced a Legal and Institutional Arrangements Handbook that served as a reference for line agencies of the government, local government, non-governmental and private organizations doing actual work in Disaster Risk Management in Mumbai and the State of Maharashtra. It was a tool to identify and strengthen key legislations and institutional systems on DRM, to better equip governing institutions like the MCGM in coping with disasters.

Mainstreaming Katastrophenvorsorge in Megacities - 2007

The main objective of the project is to enhance the capacities of selected cities to mainstream sound DRR practices within their basic local governance functions. This pilot project built on EMI’s experience in partnering with megacities to support them in implementing competent disaster risk management policies and practices.

The project focused on two cities: Makati City and Kathmandu. For Makati City, EMI implemented a Risk-Sensitive Urban Redevelopment Planning Project by applying principles of risk-sensitive land use planning (RSLUP) in the development of a scheme for an urban redevelopment plan of a high-risk area beset by seismic hazards with vulnerable populations and a fragile urban fabric that increases the vulnerabilities of the community members and their assets. The proposed redevelopment plan was formed with the following in mind: to make the community not only more disaster-resilient but also enhance the urban fabric, economic vibrancy, social cohesion, public safety, and environmental quality of the area. Coupled with a participatory approach, nine redevelopment issues and corresponding goals were identified, along with 16 objectives and 6 risk reduction strategies to address them. From these, 13 programs, projects and activities were also formulated as intervention measures to actualize the plan.

For Kathmandu City, EMI addressed the challenges and key impediments to the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action by using the same mainstreaming approach to build competency for DRM at the local level. Through the 2-year program of capacity building, competencies and practices that would effectively support national DRR strategy were established in the local government and created the dynamics for local implementation and long-term sustainability. Through the Response and Recovery Planning in Kathmandu, the Disaster Management Section (DMS), a focal agency for DRM, was established in Kathmandu City along with proposed structures, job descriptions and staff requirements. This was supported with a draft sample ordinance that laid out the objectives, functions, and structure of the DMS.

Earthquake Risk Reduction in Amman Municipality, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan - 2007

The project developed a Disaster Risk Management (DRRM) Framework that provides a road map for Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) and other national institutions to establish a disaster risk management (DRM) practice conform to the international standards. The DRMM Framework was developed based on a process of analysis, consultation, planning and validation of the current DRM practice, in Amman and in the country. This includes analysis of aspects of the country’s emergency management system, building construction and building code adoption, implementation and enforcement, land use and environmental management, the evaluation of the legal and institutional arrangements related to disaster management as these elements relate to the governance and operations of GAM and national government of Jordan.

Global Disaster Learning Program on Natural Disaster Risk Management (NDRMP) - 2006

The Natural Disaster Risk Management Program (NDRMP) is a series of ten (10) online courses launched in 2006, developed and maintained by EMI together with the World Bank Institute. The NDRMP run for more a decade and trained in excess of 1,000 professionals and practitioners globally. It emphasizes hands-on and practical learning methods with illustrations, case studies of best practices, reading materials, and interactive presentations.

Disaster Risk Reduction of Megacities and Complex Urban Metropolises - 2006

The Project developed specialized tools aimed at enhancing the technical capabilities of city planners and local practitioners (MEGA-Learn, MEGA-Index, MEGA-Know, MEGA-Plan). The tools were implemented in Kathmandu and Metro Manila.

Disaster Risk Management Program for Asian Megacities - 2005

Completed Disaster Risk Management Master Plans for Metro Manila and Kathmandu with three pilot cities: Quezon City, Makati and Marikina. The master plans were built on earthquake risk studies undertaken by JICA. Five priorities investment sectors were indicated for each city, including Legal and Institutional Arrangements, Risk-Sensitive Land Use Planning, and Emergency Management.

Kathmandu Valley Disaster Risk Management Master Plan (KVDRMP) - 2004

In this project, EMI developed the Kathmandu Valley Disaster Risk Management Master Plan (KVDRMP), in collaboration with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), the National Society for Earthquake Technology – Nepal (NSET), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the ProVention Consortium. The KVDRMP was developed following EMI’s Disaster Risk Management Master Planning (DRMMP) methodology, which engaged and empowered various stakeholders — local governments, institutions, communities — in understanding their vulnerability and risk and in working together to plan and deliver long-term DRM programs and policies in Kathmandu City and Valley.

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