Flood Simulation Exercise in Lautem Marks Key Milestone in Strengthening Local Disaster Preparedness and Response

Lautem, Timor-Leste – The Civil Protection Authority (CPA), along with municipal and suco-level disaster management teams, successfully led a flood simulation exercise in Los Palos villa, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United States Agency for International Development Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA). Over a hundred participants joined the event, which was carried out in close collaboration with civil society, and community members. The exercise aimed to enhance disaster preparedness and response, with a focus on reducing the exposure and vulnerability of Lautem Municipality to climate-related hazards.

The exercise would not have been possible without the cooperation of every sector of the community, including local leaders, civil society organizations, women, youth and community members themselves. Civil Protection Authority President Mr. Jesuino Dos Reis De Matos Carvalho, Municipal Director of the Civil Protection Authority Mr. Casemiro Pires Assunção, Municipal Administrator Mr. Mélio de Jesus, USAID-BHA Regional Advisor Mr. Joseph Miskov, USAID-BHA Program Officer for East Asia and the Pacific Ms. Jessica Doxtater, USAID Project Management Specialist Mr. Inacio Fernandes Quintao, and IOM Timor-Leste Chief of Mission Jewel Ali as well as members from the Civil Protection Authority, Municipal Health Post, National Police of Timor-Leste, and Red Cross of Timor-Leste were also in attendance. 

Lautem Municipality has become increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to climate change and heavy seasonal rains. A recent report on flooding in Lautem highlights the severe impact of heavy rains in July 2023, destroying several bridges and roads, displacing multiple communities, and tragically claiming the lives of four children who were swept away by the rising waters. 

The flood simulation exercise mobilized IOM-trained at-risk community members to carry out emergency action plans and safely evacuate before emergencies and aligns with the Civil Protection Authority’s goal of enhancing disaster preparedness in Timor-Leste.

“Disaster simulations are essential for improving readiness and response of agencies and frontline responders. The U.S. government is committed to working with Timor-Leste to reduce disaster risks and protect lives for future generations,” USAID-BHA Regional Advisor Mr. Joseph Miskov expressed.

The flood simulation is part of the Strengthening Disaster Resilience of at-risk communities in Timor-Leste (STREAM) project, by IOM in partnership with CPA, and funding support from BHA. Through continued support, the municipal and suco disaster management committees have strengthened local disaster risk management, developed community-based action plans, and upgraded critical infrastructure to better protect residents in times of crisis. IOM and BHA also officially handed over the refurbished evacuation center with improved WASH facilities to promote dignified and safer evacuation during emergencies.

“IOM remains committed to supporting Lautem and other at-risk communities in Timor-Leste by helping establish local disaster management structures. We will continue to work closely with local authorities and community members to address the needs of displaced communities and reduce disaster risks,” shared IOM Timor-Leste Chief of Mission Jewel Ali.

The simulation will highlight additional steps in building Lautem’s disaster resilience and empower local actors, ensuring they lead the way in safeguarding their communities for the future.

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For more information, please contact:

• Jewel Ali, Chief of Mission, IOM Timor-Leste, at jali@iom.int
• Andrea Empamano, Media and Communications Officer, IOM Timor-Leste, at aempamano@iom.int