The strong rains that devastated Timor-Leste this year caused damages in several regions of the territory. In spite of the fact that no mortal victims were registered, the rain affected houses, paddies, plantations and even cattle. The final reports, which will present the real dimension of the damages, are being prepared by the District Commissions that have been formed in the 13 districts.

Presently, it is known that outside the capital, three of the most affected areas by the rain were Zumalai, in the Covalima District, Quelicai, in the Baucau District and the Mulu Suco, in Fatubilico Sub-District. In Díli, the strong rains affected several areas: “In the Hera suco, 200 families were affected, and we can say that Tibar and Liquiça are at risk” declared the National Director of Natural Disasters, Francisco do Rosário.

The Government, through the National Directorate of Natural Disasters, which belongs to the Secretariat of State of Social Assistance and Natural Disasters, has a plan in due course for the support of disaster victims, which includes food distribution and other essential goods. Measures for the rehabilitation of houses damaged by natural disasters were also implemented. When situation are more serious and capacity response is unavailable, support at the national level, from the Ministry of Social Solidarity, is set in motion .

The rehabilitation measures are intended only for private house reconstruction, where the civil society and Government houses, schools or clinics are not included.

In case of an emergency, the victims must inform the Disaster Management Commission in the districts, or contact the Disaster Operation Centre, which is established at the National Directorate for Disaster Management.

Besides these measures already implemented by the Government, plans are being developed for support in situations of large calamites caused by natural disasters on a big scale – such as high magnitude earthquakes, tsunamis or cyclones. Through the Policy for Cooperation, Regional and International Coordination, cooperation connections with international organizations have been established.