Disaster Preparedness in Practice: Insights from AIT's Field Trip
On October 3, 2024, students from the Asian Institute of Technology enrolled in Disaster Preparedness Management and Mitigation Program ” participated in a field trip to the National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) in Bangkok and the Samruen Thawon Community in Bang Prok Municipality, Pathum Thani. This visit was conducted in collaboration with participants from the Training Course on Multi-Hazard Impact-Based Forecast and Warning Systems, a training jointly organized with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and DPMM program.
The group visited the NDWC, which operates under the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Air Chief Marshal Somnuk Sawatthuk, a Special Expert at the NDWC, provided an in-depth lecture on the Center’s operations, including data acquisition, hazard monitoring, and the implementation of national warning systems. The visit included a tour of the Center’s laboratory, specializing in signal transmission for tsunami warnings. Students learned about the processes and technologies used to ensure timely and accurate alerts during disaster events, underscoring the significance of integrated systems in disaster risk reduction.
During the field trip, the group also visited the Samruen Thawon Community, where they gained firsthand insights into the community’s flood response strategies and the effectiveness of community-based early warning system. Coordinated by Mrs. Chaluey Kahaenak, the Head of the Pathum Thani Environmental Network, the session provided an overview of the Network’s efforts in community-based flood disaster management. Mrs. Kahaenak emphasized the Network’s vital role in establishing early warning systems for floods disasters and helping the community prepare for future events. The lecture was followed by a walk-through around to the residential area, allowing the group to see how the community adapts to the recurring floods on their daily lives.
In conclusion, the visits highlighted the importance to weave local knowledge into disaster management strategies. Building resilience against disasters isn’t just a top-down approach; it’s a collective effort that brings together local communities and national resources. A combination of integrated systems, technological innovations and proactive community measures are key to enhancing our preparedness and response to future challenges.
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