Supporting Flood Response

Summary

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Timor-Leste experienced heavy rains across the country from 29th of Marchto 4th April which resulted in flash floods and landslides affecting all 13 municipalities to varying degrees, with thecapital, Dili, and the surrounding low-lying areas the worst affected. In response to the disaster, and at thegovernment's request, the project responded to the early recovery needs of households in the most affected aldeiasin Dili via emergency employment schemes to inject cash into the local market, empowering households toadvance their own recovery needs.

Background

The Project is to support the Republic of Timor-Leste to respond to the impacts of the Easter Flood of 2021. On 4 April 2021 the torrential downpour caused by the tropical cyclone resulted in massive flooding and landslides in the capital city ofTimor-Leste, Dili, and many other parts of the country. According to the official figures as of 14 April, over 14,000 people were in evacuation shelters for several weeks as their houses were flooded and damaged. While some had managed to return home, 8852 persons were still in 29 evaluation facilities in Dili. The Ministry of State Administration (MSA) maintained that a total of 25,709 households have been affected across all 13 municipalities, of whom 45% or 11,558 households are in Dili Municipality. According to the same MSA report, a total of 4546 houses across all municipalities have been destroyed or damaged based on preliminary assessments. This number is likely to change as preliminary assessments are being carried out in Dili municipality which is the mosthard hit. Destroyed and damaged houses and community infrastructures have produced significant amount of debris and waste. Given the size of a household, it can be extrapolated that close to 100,000 people have lost their livelihoods and assets, with limited coping strategies . 

Project Outcome

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