The Shanghai Multi-Hazard Early Warning System: Addressing the Challenge of Disaster Risk Reduction in an Urban Megalopolis

Abstract

On 27 June 2008, Mr Hu Jintao, President of China, declared that China needs to develop a sustainable Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) with a focus on multi-agency coordination and cooperation at all levels of government, to develop a regional joint response capability, and to build an optimum multi-hazard monitoring and emergency response warning process by actively involving multi-agency participation in the decision-making process. This process should also encourage active public participation in response to climate change. Responding to the President’s direction and with the support of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau (SMB) enhanced its efforts to establish a comprehensive weather disaster prevention management system under the leadership of the Shanghai Municipal Government (SMG).