On 12-13 December 2023, AFSIS Secretariat with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan held the 2nd Regional Workshop on the Project for Strengthening ASEAN Food Security Information System Function for Emergency (SAFER) at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Bangkok, Thailand.
The workshop was honored by the following distinguished representatives which were Mrs. Benjawan Siribhodi, Expert on International Agriculture Economic Policy of OAE from the MOAC of Thailand delivered the opening remarks and opened the event, Mr. Hosaka Masahiro, Deputy Director of the Statistics Planning Division, Statistics Department from MAFF, Japan, Dr. Kei Oyoshi, Senior Researcher, Earth Observation Research center from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Dr. Sumanya Ngandee, AFSIS Manager delivered the welcome remarks.
33 participants from ASEAN Plus Three Countries which were Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan attended the workshop physically and online participants from the People’s Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea along with the observers from relevant organizations from Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines and Thailand. The workshop featured contributions from 6 lecturers representing JAXA, Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC), and AFSIS Secretariat.
The workshop aims to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the INAHOR software (International Asian Harvest Monitoring System for Rice) developed by JAXA using Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) to estimate the paddy rice planted area. There were presentations regarding the overview of SAFER project, overview of INAHOR software, and INAHOR training data preparation guidance. Additionally, there were hands-on training sessions for INAHOR operations during the workshop.
The workshop successfully ended with great collaboration from all participants and appreciation toward the AFSIS Secretariat and MAFF of Japan for organizing the 2nd Regional Workshop on the Project for Strengthening ASEAN Food Security Information System Function for Emergency (SAFER).
In late November and early December 2024, Malaysia and southern Thailand experienced severe flooding and heavy rainfall, which caused widespread damage, including landslides and agricultural devastation. In Malaysia, 25 districts across seven states were severely impacted, with households evacuated and extensive flooding reported. Similarly, southern Thailand experienced heavy rains and flash flooding, particularly in provinces affecting over 136,000 households. The floods severely damaged agricultural sectors, with significant losses in paddy rice and other crops, amounting to millions of dollars in damages in both countries. In response, both nations initiated emergency measures, including providing aid and conducting damage assessments. Malaysia focused on intensive assistance to affected households, while Thailand mobilized a range of relief efforts, including specialized equipment and emergency vehicles, to support flood-stricken regions. The agricultural losses in both countries highlight the critical need for improved disaster preparedness and more resilient agricultural systems.
The tropical cyclones that impacted the Philippines in November 2024, including Yinxing, Oraji, Usagi, and Man-Yi, have caused widespread devastation across several provinces, resulting in heavy rainfall, severe winds, flooding, and significant agricultural damage. These storms have left communities grappling with extensive losses, including damaged crops, disrupted livelihoods, and displacement. Despite the severe impacts, the government of the Philippines, along with international aid from neighboring countries and global partners, has mobilized resources for relief and recovery. The ongoing efforts to assist those affected highlight the resilience of the Filipino people and the importance of continued preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
On 26-27 November 2024, Dr. Sumanya Ngandee, the AFSIS Manager, participated in the 30th session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-30), held in Perth, Australia. This event was co-organized by the Australian Space Agency (ASA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The forum's focus was to bring together stakeholders from various space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to address pressing regional issues through space-based solutions.
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 22:57 WITA, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s 120 active volcanoes, erupted on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, The eruption, lasting 24 minutes (1,450 seconds), was recorded with a massive amplitude of 47.3 mm. According to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, a strong eruption sent ash up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), affecting over 10,000 people. Smaller eruptions followed on November 5-6. In response, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano’s alert status to “Awas” (Level IV), indicating a high danger level.
Visitor Info 320556 | Today 266 | Yesterday 503 | This week 3297 | This Month 7828 | Total 320556
Copyright 2017. ASEAN Plus Three
Food Security Information System Rights Reserved.
