The Role of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) in Managing the Typhoon Haiyan Disaster in the Philippines

Nurul Husna Debrivianti; Freddy B.L. Tobing

doi:10.64268/ijors.v2i1.141

Authors

Nurul Husna Debrivianti UPN Veteran Jakarta
Freddy B.L. Tobing Universitas Pembangunan Nasional, Veteran Jakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64268/ijors.v2i1.141

Keywords:

AHA Centre, ASEAN, Disaster Management, Humanitarian Assistance, Typhoon Haiyan

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the contribution of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to the management of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines between 2013 and 2014. As one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded in Southeast Asia, Typhoon Haiyan exposed the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and underscored the need for effective regional cooperation in humanitarian response.

Method: The research adopts a qualitative descriptive design. Data were obtained from books, academic publications, official reports, and relevant institutional documents concerning disaster management and ASEAN cooperation. The analysis draws upon the concepts of regionalism, human security, and disaster mitigation to explore the institutional functions and operational mechanisms of AHA Centre.

Findings: The findings indicate that AHA Centre served as a key platform for coordinating humanitarian assistance among ASEAN member states, international agencies, and the Philippine government. Its activities covered disaster preparedness, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery. Through the deployment of operational instruments and coordination mechanisms, AHA Centre facilitated the distribution of aid and supported emergency operations. Nevertheless, limitations related to logistics, communication, and inter-agency coordination reduced the overall effectiveness of the response.

Significance: This study enriches the literature on regional disaster governance by demonstrating how ASEAN’s institutional framework contributes to humanitarian action. Furthermore, it provides insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by regional organizations in addressing large-scale disasters in Southeast Asia.

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