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I first visited Aceh in early 2005 while working at the United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Kobe. I was shocked by the sight of the entire landscape, buildings, and houses swept away by the tsunami. It was even more heartbreaking to witness the traces of people’s lives, knowing that … Reflections on Two Disasters: The Need for an All-Hazards Approach to Disaster Risk Reduction

The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, one of the most catastrophic events we have ever experienced, and the 35th anniversary of establishing the ASEAN-ROK dialogue. This occasion provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on our collaborative efforts to overcome severe crises and to reaffirm our commitment to shared prosperity.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman reflects on the region’s collective shock and grief over the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, and how the response chartered the course of ASEAN cooperation in disaster management. Two decades hence, ASEAN has cemented its capacity for coordinated and effective disaster management. As Chair of the … Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman

On the morning of 26 December 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck, triggering one of the most devastating tsunamis in Asia. My hometown, Aceh, Indonesia was among the hardest hit, and the destruction was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. The tsunami destroyed not only physical structures but also left deep emotional and psychological … A Journey to Recovery