Countries from Asia and Africa resolved to establish an integrated strategy to develop a tsunami warning system with mechanisms for preparedness, prevention, mitigation and response.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday at the end of the two-day Asian-African summit in Jakarta, leaders from India and 84 other countries emphasised the urgent need to invest in the development of pro-active standby arrangement and early warning system to mitigate natural disaster in the Indian Ocean rim.
The leaders expressed 'profound grief' at the loss of lives and livelihood caused by the December 26 tsunami disaster.
They also underlined the need to establish and upgrade national early warning systems.
The statement said the countries would explore ways to enhance the effectiveness of collective actions through consideration of possible rapid response capacities at regional and international levels by establishing a standby arrangement for disaster relief and emergency response.
The statement said the leaders were determined to encourage greater interaction among experts from Asia and
Africa in finding practical ways and means on disaster relief.
It also pledged to reinforce efforts to create among all levels of Asian and African society a culture of disaster
risk reduction and empower those at risk to achieve protection against the impact of disasters.
The leaders said they would encourage the international community to continue efforts to provide disaster-affected
countries with technical and financial assistance, including rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
Also read:
© 2025 Rediff.com -