Southeast Asia leads in disaster preparedness despite vulnerability

A Gallup survey reveals that Southeast Asia, one of the most disaster-prone regions, is also among the best prepared to handle natural disasters.

David Rising reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

Southeast Asia has high disaster preparedness despite frequent exposure to natural hazards like earthquakes and typhoons.
The region's success is linked to effective early-warning systems, community approaches, regional cooperation and access to disaster finance.
Wealth is not the key factor in preparedness, as Southeast Asia, with lower-middle-income countries, surpasses wealthier regions.

Key quote:

Southeast Asia is "a region that clearly has much to teach the world in terms of preparing for disasters.”

— Ed Morrow, senior campaigns manager for Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Why this matters:

Southeast Asia’s effective disaster preparedness strategies could serve as a model for other regions. Learning from these practices could help save lives and reduce damage globally.

Related EHN coverage:

apnews.com

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Tribes exit pipeline negotiations in Michigan over lack of consultation

Seven Indigenous nations in Michigan have walked away from federal talks over a proposed oil pipeline tunnel, citing a lack of meaningful engagement and treaty violations.

Izzy Ross reports for Grist and Interlochen Public Radio.

In short:

The tribes oppose Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project, which would replace part of a 72-year-old pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac, a critical freshwater corridor between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
Their withdrawal follows the Army Corps of Engineers’ move to fast-track permitting under President Trump’s energy emergency order, which tribes say dismisses their environmental and legal concerns.
Tribal leaders and legal advocates argue that the project threatens water resources and violates both U.S. treaty obligations and international law requiring Indigenous consent.

Key quote:

“Tribal Nations are no longer willing to expend their time and resources as Cooperating Agencies just so their participation may be used by the Corps to lend credibility to a flawed [Environmental Impact Statement] process and document.”

— Letter from seven Indigenous nations to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Why this matters:

Buried beneath the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron converge, Line 5 has become a flashpoint in the battle over fossil fuel infrastructure, Indigenous sovereignty, and environmental protection. The aging oil and gas pipeline — operated by Canadian energy giant Enbridge — moves millions of gallons of crude and natural gas liquids daily through a region that holds 20% of the planet’s surface freshwater. A proposed tunnel to house a replacement segment beneath the lakebed has drawn fierce opposition from tribal nations, who warn it risks catastrophic spills and continued desecration of sacred territory.

Read the Full Article on

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Southeast Asia leads in disaster preparedness despite vulnerability

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