The AADMER is a legally binding agreement ratified by all of ASEAN’s member states. It calls on political commitment and concrete implementation from national governments to local communities within the nations. AADMER is designed to help ASEAN and national governments to conduct comprehensive disaster management processes within the region. It covers all aspects of disaster management from before, during, and after a disaster. Before a disaster, the agreement requires participants to conduct disaster risk identification, assessment and monitoring; to establish, maintain
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and periodically review their early warning systems; to develop strategies for disaster response that reduces losses caused by disasters; and to earmark assets and capacities that might support regional standby preparations for disaster relief and emergency response. During a disaster, the agreement provides details pertaining to an emergency response, including how to request, provide and direct assistance. After a disaster, the agreement requires ASEAN member countries to coordinate in developing and implementing strategies and projects that will aid in rehabilitation after a disaster. In sum, AADMER concentrates on building a nation's capacity for disaster management to help itself before requesting international assistance. As sound as these principles of disaster management might be, many countries are not prompt in systematizing risk assessment and fully providing informed reporting on their disaster response needs.Legal binding and authorized code of conduct