New initiative launched to counter natural disasters in Asia

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Friday announced the start of a major Asian initiative to assist vulnerable communities to prepare for and reduce the risk of natural disasters.

The announcement came a day ahead of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. The IOM will spend 17 million U.S. dollars in community-based disaster risk reduction programs, as well as in building capacity in governments and the organization's national partners in the Asia and Pacific region, IOM spokesperson Jumbe Omari Jumbe said.

He added up to 200,000 people would benefit from various programs which include preparedness for earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and cyclones.

The organization believes it will prevent people from becoming climate migrants through helping them survive natural disasters.

The Asia and Pacific region is at far greater danger from natural disasters than any other continent or region with 200 million people affected, more than 70,000 killed and a loss of nearly 35 billion U.S. dollars every year, according to the IOM.