As a result, in Asia and the Pacific, regional warning mechanisms have been set up, especially for tsunamis and tropical cyclones, with linkages to global networks, and there is a general trend towards strengthened regional and South-South cooperation. Combined with the construction of shelters and other structural measures this has made a major difference (Box III-l). As part of the overall national strategy on disaster risk reduction, there has been a strong focus on strengthening the early warning system down to the local level.