Timor-Leste is at risk from natural disasters, with floods, fire, landslides and strong winds most frequently occurring.

The Government Timor-Leste through the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Ministry of Transport and Communications with the support of UNDP Timor-Leste recently installed 10 sets of Early Warning System (EWS) equipment composed of 6 automatic weather stations, 2 water level and 2 extension meters in the Dili-Ainaro Road Development Corridor.

The EWS will prevent damage and loss caused by natural disasters by supporting communities to reduce their level of vulnerability and increase preparedness, thereby protecting existing development gains.

“On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, we would like to thank UNDP for their commitment to continue support contributing to the development of Timor-Leste”, said Minister of Transport and Communications, H.E. José Agostinho da Silva.

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) recognises EWS as one of the major priorities for national level intervention and UNDP is currently supporting the Government of Timor-Leste to revise the draft DRM policy to integrate the framework.

“The Sendai framework for disaster risk recognizes the early warning system as a priority for all interventions related to national disasters, therefore we expect that this EWS will benefit the Government to provide early warning to the vulnerable community living along the Dili to Ainaro Corridor”, said Mr. Claudio Providas, UNDP Country Director.

UNDP anticipates that the system will benefit and provide early warnings to 5,000 vulnerable households living around the Dili to Ainaro road corridor.