And it led to major changes in policies and budgets - stimulating extensive operational and technical work and triggering greater investment in prevention and mitigation. This progress was assessed in the 2012 Asia-Pacific Disaster Report (APDR).15 The report found there had been more frequent disasters such as typhoons, floods and landslides and greater damage to property and livelihoods. However, the report also identified continuing weaknesses in a number of countries with limited capacities and resources. The technology for assessing risks and detecting approaching threats has reached a high degree of sophistication.