OVERVIEW
The 32 countries in the East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) region2 have varying climates, levels of development and capacity, and vulnerabilities to hazards. Many countries in the region undergo seasonal periods of increased hydrometeorological activity, experiencing cyclones and monsoon rains that can increase floods and landslides risks. Several EAP countries situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire also experience volcanic activity, earthquakes, and associated tsunamis. In FY 2016, USAID/OFDA continued to respond to disasters and support DRR programs that strengthen the ability of communities, governments, businesses, and other actors to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Following early warning of a strong El Niño phenomenon likely to cause increased drought and floods, USAID/OFDA provided approximately $16.5 million for El Niño-related DRR activities across 10 EAP countries in FY 2016.
USAID/OFDA has focused DRR activities in the EAP region on strategic, contextspecific programs designed to meet particular risk reduction needs in each country, with capacity building as a consistent theme in all programs. In FY 2016, USAID/OFDA continued scaling up implementation of this strategic approach through a number of new initiatives at the country and regional level; USAID/OFDA also began country-specific DRR programs in Fiji, Malaysia, and Taiwan. In addition, USAID/OFDA maintained support for programs throughout the region funded with prior year assistance. USAID/OFDA provided approximately $40.3 million in FY 2016 for DRR projects throughout EAP, including programs that integrate DRR with disaster response.
