Association of Medical Doctors of ASIA, founded in 1984, Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC since 1995

Despite of the tight schedule, Nepal TV-crew had many precious experiences in Japan when they visited Osaka, Iwate and Okayama prefectures.

When they visited Otsuchi town in Iwate prefecture, even after 5 years, they could witness the impact and devastation of the Tohoku Tsunami first hand. A TV camera operator from Iwate broadcasting center shared his experience from the Tsunami-time during which, he continued to film everything he saw in the affected areas as his hometown, Kamaishi, was thrashed and swallowed by the enormous waves, in just a moment.

We cannot go against the laws of nature. However, we can learn from our experience of natural disasters and better prepare ourselves for the next time. The Nepalese TV-crew learnt that media could play an important role in passing down information and lessons from the disaster to the next generations, which could be the basis of education on disaster prevention.

The Nepalese TV-crews also reaffirmed that TV stations play a key-role in connecting the disaster-stricken areas and the audience. A news director from Iwate broadcasting center shred his experience on how he managed to stay at the TV station for a month to transmit the latest news across the world. Staying at the station allowed him to easily manage and mobilize his staff to the affected areas and to prepare special TV programs as well as assuring each staff`s health, at the same time,

In Okayama, the Nepalese TV-crew visited Sanyo broadcasting (RSK) Center who is also the supporter of this program. Mr. Hara, the president of RSK, talked about the importance of projected image on TV and the need of preparedness as a broadcasting company to prevent any interruptions to broadcasting immediately after the disasters, due to electric outage or damage to antennas. Disseminating accurate information to the affected people, during disasters, reduces their anxiety. At the same time it prevents false rumors and violence in the affected areas. In Nepal, more people rely on radio rather than TV for information and thus, enhancement of radio- broadcasting also needs to be considered. In addition, Nepalese TV-crew had an opportunity to see a monthly earthquake/ Tsunami drill at RSK. This important practice along with how the staff behaved as if it was a real one, opened their eyes and inspired them to tell the people in Nepal the significance of a drill on a regular basis. The crews were eager to share, with people involved in broadcasting in Nepal, the vital role of mass media during disasters, which they learnt during the training program in Japan.