A Country Situation Report on Disaster Risk Assessment related Initiatives

Transcription

1 A Comprehensive National Risk Assessment and Mapping Timor Leste A Country Situation Report on Disaster Risk Assessment related Initiatives By Asian Disaster Preparedness Center Submitted: June 2013

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 BACKGROUND RISK ASSESSMENT IN TIMOR-LESTE EXISTING DISASTER RISK REDUCTION INSTITUTION AND INITIATIVE IN TIMOR-LESTE DISASTER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY GAPS AND CHALLENGES FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION RELATED INITIATIVES... 8 REFERENCES ANNEX: DISASTER RELATED STUDIES IN TIMOR-LESTE... 13

3 1 BACKGROUND Geographically, Timor-Leste is exposed to several kinds of natural hazards, which include frequent events such as tropical cyclone, riverine flooding, drought, and landslides as well as rarer events such as earthquakes and tsunamis. Fortunately hazard events have been rather localized and have not had widespread devastating impacts historically. The most prominent and frequent hazard types in the country s recent history include floods, landslides, and drought (prolonged dry spells). These events typically have negative impacts on the people of Timor-Leste due to the fact that they rely heavily on domestic food production that can be affected by such hazards. Additionally, a low-probability but high-consequence event such as a major earthquake or tsunami can cause substantial damage to the country s fragile infrastructure and buildings as well as injury and fatality to residents who may not be prepared for such a disaster. Table 1: Historical loss due to strong wind, flood, and landslide ( ) Losses due to strong wind events Losses due to flood events Losses due to the landslide events District Houses Houses Houses Houses Houses Houses Victims Affected Victims Affected Destroyed Damaged Destroyed Damaged Destroyed Damaged Victims Affected AILEU AINARO 38 1,415 4,538 1, BAUCAU BOBONARO COVALIMA ,312 5,998 5, DILI ,478 1,625 3, ERMERA LAUTEM LIQUICA MANATUTO , MANUFAHI ,540 2,095 2, OECUSSE VIQUEQUE Source : DesIventar There is evidence from around the world that a major disaster event can cause major problems and even hinder the economic growth of a country, especially for under-developed and developing countries. There is a need to identify and understand the prevailing hazards, and consequently, the risk from disasters of the country. Equipped with the risk information, Timor-Leste can develop risk management strategies to reduce possible casualties and damage to its infrastructure. In addition, medium and long-term sectoral planning (such as land zoning, infrastructure development, and so on) can be made based on the risk information to reduce potential economic losses from future disasters and to build livelihood resilience. To create evidence-based risk information for the country and generate baseline data for formulating long-term DRM policies, framework, law and programme in Timor-Leste, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Disaster Management Directorate (NDMD) have launched the project entitled Strengthening Disaster Risk Management in Timor-Leste ( ). In April 2012, the Comprehensive National Hazard Assessment and Mapping study was launched and subsequently completed in August The effort was followed by a study on the Comprehensive National Risk Assessment and Mapping in Timor-Leste which is expected to be completed in July The overall objective of the study is to develop disaster risk management capacity at the national and district levels. The key priority defined under the scope of this study is to undertake a national multi-hazard vulnerability and risk assessment to understand the disaster risk in Timor-Leste. 1

4 2 RISK ASSESSMENT IN TIMOR LESTE Timor-Leste has only started building its vulnerability and risk assessment capabilities recently. While sector priorities were identified in the National Adaption Programme of Action (NAPA) project document, a systematic prioritization of hazards for the population, infrastructure and area at risk, the hotspots, is a basis for developing vulnerability and risk assessments to feed into national and sector development plans. Existing Studies on Hazard and Risk Assessment in Timor-Leste: Disaster Risk and Hazard Map Analysis for Timor-Leste: an Overview of Existing Risk Maps (UNDP, 2010) was produced as part of a project co-funded by UNDP and Disaster Preparedness European Commission s Humanitarian aid Office (DIPECHO). One of the outputs of this project was mapping products which are available in a Geographic Information System (GIS) called DRMInfo. The maps were divided into hazard and element at risk such as households, schools, and bridges. The types of hazard covered in DRMInfo include landslide, flood, fire, drought, tsunami, cyclone, and earthquake. Reducing the Risk of Disaster and Climate Variability in the Pacific Islands: Timor-Leste Country Assessment (World Bank, 2010) reported that though the government of Timor-Leste and non-government sector had a sound understanding of the risks in the country, no comprehensive assessment was available to estimate the degree of risk, the number of at-risk communities and key infrastructure and socio-economic implication of the risks, thus creating serious challenges for the government in assessing potential national impact from disasters. Timor-Leste: Natural Hazard Risks (UNOCHA, 2011) presented a map portraying the risks from earthquakes and tropical storms for Timor-Leste. The maps produced from this study show that the entire country falls under one category of the earthquake intensity that is the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale VIII. Similarly the whole country falls under the Saffir-Simpson scale 1 ( km/h) for tropical storms. It does not appear that the study took into account local conditions in Timor-Leste, such as local site conditions, topographic slope, elevation, land use/land cover, and so on. All of these will have impact on the calculation hazard intensity at a local level. A case study on Climate Risk and Agriculture in Timor Loro Sae (ADPC, 2003) was presented at a seminar on Climate Change and Severe Weather Events in Asia and the Caribbean in The document provides a brief and qualitative overview of climate risk in Timor-Leste s agricultural sector. Existing conditions in the country that would contribute to its vulnerability to climatic events were evaluated. The analyses were done based on dialogues with several government agencies in Dili. Climate Change in Timor-Leste: a Brief Overview on Future Climate Projections (CSIRO, 2010) provides a short summary of climate change projections for Timor-Leste and its neighboring regions over the coming decades. The projection was presented for temperature, rainfall, sea level pressure, wind speed, humidity, and so on. It also portrays a map of average annual distribution of cyclones in the Australian region which covers Timor-Leste. Other climatic indicators such as the mean annual rainfall and sea level rise were also projected. Seismic Hazard Mapping in Australia, the Southwest Pacific and Southeast Asia (McCue, 1999) presented region-wide seismic hazard maps taking into account tectonic settings of the region. The map in this study illustrates peak ground acceleration values for an exceedance probability of 10% in 50 years. However local site conditions which would affect the intensity of earthquake ground shaking were not taken into consideration. A summary of disaster related studies in Timor-Leste is presented in Annex. 2

5 3 EXISTING DISASTER RISK REDUCTION INSTITUTION AND INITIATIVE IN TIMOR LESTE The Ministry of Social Solidarity (MSS) is responsible for coordinating the preparation and response in relation to any emergency that may occur in Timor-Leste. Under this Ministry there is National Disaster Management Directorate (NDMD), which is composed of Disaster Operation Centre (DOC), the Departments of Preparedness and Formation, Prevention and Mitigation, Response and Recovery, and disaster management committees at Districts, Sub-district and Suco (village) levels. Figure 1 illustrates the structure of disaster management agencies at various levels. Figure 1: National Disaster Risk Management Policy (Source: MSS, 2008) Inter-Ministerial Commission for Disaster Management (CIGD) An Inter-Ministerial Commission for Prevention of Natural Disasters was established by Prime Minister s Office to respond to earthquakes/tsunamis after the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 26 December 3

6 2004. As the policy uses an all-hazards approach, the Government of Timor-Leste sees the necessity of expanding the Commission and elevating it into an Inter-Ministerial Commission for Disaster Risk Management (CIGD) comprised of the following representatives from Ministries and Agencies: Vice-Prime Minister (National Coordinator) Minister of Social Solidarity and Secretary of State for Social Assistance and Natural Disasters (Deputy-Coordinator) Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister of State Administration Minister of Finance Minister of Justice Minister of Education Minister of Health Minister of Infrastructures Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Ministry of Economy and Development Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Secretary of State Public Works Secretary of State for Youth and Sport Secretary of State for Professional Training Secretary State of Natural Resources Secretary of State for Defense Secretary of State for Security Secretary of State for the Promotion of Gender Equality Commander of F-FDTL Commander of PNTL Secretary General of Red Cross Timor-Leste (CVTL) Representative of Civil Society include women network Representative of United Nations The Minister or Secretary of State responsible for disaster risk management may appoint representatives of other organizations to the CIGD, either for specific issues for a specific time, or for an indefinite period, or in the role of observers. The functions were assigned to CIGD as follows: Conduct an annual review of national disaster risk reduction policy and strategic development by the last sitting of parliament each calendar year; Provide an annual report to the Prime Minister on national disaster risk reduction by the 31 December each year; this report will include recommendations on priorities for the next reporting year; Provide technical and policy advice and resource support to the National Disaster Coordinator (NDC) and the Joint National Disaster Operations Centre (DOC) during response operations, if required; Assign responsibilities related to disaster risk management to relevant departments and other bodies; and Carry out any other disaster risk reduction related tasks as allocated by the Minister or Secretary of State responsible for disaster risk management. 4

7 National Disaster Management Directorate (NDMD) The National Disaster Management Directorate (NDMD) is responsible for providing disaster risk management coordination and technical support to the government and community in Timor-Leste. It supports to National Disaster Coordinator (NDC) during times of operation for disaster response. To be an effective coordinating body, the NDMD has to have significant additional capacity development assistance in risk management and planning. Objectives are assigned to NDMD as follow: Acting as Timor-Leste s centre for disaster risk reduction activities and knowledge, collecting information, monitoring overseas developments and proposing developments for incorporation into the national disaster risk reduction system; Developing strategies in disaster risk reduction including preparedness and response plans and procedures and assisting in district planning; Administering and providing secretariat support to the CIGD; Establishing and sustaining links to risk assessment and monitoring in the region, and interpreting and providing warning and strategic planning in relation to developments that may affect Timor-Leste; Acting as the contact point for initial reports of emergencies and disasters in conjunction with the DOC; Coordinating disaster risk management including scheduling of regular meetings of actors and stakeholders; Organizing and leading multi-sector damage and needs assessment teams during response when necessary; Developing and conducting public information and awareness programs in cooperation with other relevant agencies; Developing disaster risk reduction and emergency response training programs in conjunction with relevant partners; Maintaining and developing a National Disaster Risk Management Information System; Developing or identifying the sources of baseline data for use in disaster preparedness and response activities; Maintaining, reviewing and developing the National Disaster Risk Management Policy (NDRMP) and advising on other sector and development policies, strategies and legislation related to disaster risk management; and Administering a national regional strategic stockpile of disaster response assets. National Disaster Operation Centre (DOC) The Joint National Disaster Operation Centre (DOC) was established to function on a 24-hour basis operated by well-trained personnel equipped with communications equipment, a secure power supply and disaster proof structures. The functions of the DOC are as follows: Directions and control of the population s survival recovery efforts and operations; Public information regarding emergencies; Early warning and notification; Damage assessment; 5

8 Evacuation, traffic control and security; Health and emergency medical care; Emergency food and shelter; Debris clearance; and Restoration of utilities. Organizational Structure at District, Sub-district and Sucos District: The district is the basic unit for risk management at the administration level. District Administrators (DAs) extend their functions to serve as District Disaster Coordinators (DDCs). If DA are unavailable, the Deputy DA will act as the DDC automatically. A District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) containing district representatives of key government and non-governmental agencies likely to become involved in disaster risk management activities as well as community representatives is to be formed to assist the DDC in response operations and disaster risk reduction. Membership may vary from district to district, but generally members of the District Administrator s staff, sectoral officers, representatives of Catholic and Protestant Churches, mosques, major NGOs and appropriate community leaders were included. Additional members may be called from time to time to fit with particular needs. Details of the committee (personnel, contact details) are to be sent to the NDMD annually or when there are significant changes. The DDMC will provide guidance and policy advice on disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery matters in the district. Annual reports on disaster risk management activities within the district are to be sent to the NDMD annually by 20 October. The DDC is responsible for disaster response decision-making within the district and assists in decision-making by the DDMC when appropriate. Contingency plans, which might include food security, are to be developed for use in the districts affected by food shortages as well as other disasters. During emergency situations, the functions of the DDMC are as follow: Coordination of rapid assessment surveys of affected areas and analysis of results; Coordination of financial resources of the district to provide the most effective response to identified needs; and Recommendations on the timing and content of requests for national support, identifying the description, scale and timing of the support and the logistical information needed for effective delivery. Sub-Districts: Generally, at the sub-district level, the Sub-District Administrator (SDA) is responsible for emergency and disaster risk reduction activities. When the response to a major emergency or disaster is beyond the capability of sub-district resources, assistance should be sought from the DDC, then from national level if necessary. Sucos: Generally, within each village, the Suco Chief and village leaders (such as elders, traditional leaders and village councils) are responsible for emergency and disaster risk reduction activities. When a village requires assistance, a request should be passed through the village head to the SDA 6

9 4 DISASTER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY A turning point for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Timor-Leste was the Indian Ocean Tsunami which occurred in late December 2004, immediately after which a strong sense of vulnerability to potential earthquakes and tsunamis emerged among the Timor-Leste community. This led to recognition in Timor-Leste of the need for a proactive approach to managing disasters. In response to the raised level of concern among the community, the importance of disaster management increased as a priority for the Government. The Government of Timor-Leste now keenly supports the development of DRM policy directives and dissemination channels for distribution of information on risks of disasters. In particular, two points are highlighted: Investment in preparedness is essential. This includes contingency planning for key sectors and substantial capacity building and training in the areas of civil protection, education, health, public works and communication, among others. Furthermore, expediting membership in existing early warning systems is essential and a civil society right. However, regional and national systems will only work if they are linked to local warning and emergency response systems that ensure that the warning is received, communicated and acted upon by the potentially affected communities. The approach adopted by the Government is an all-hazards approach, which deals with the management of all hazards. While the Government of Timor-Leste shares the internationally accepted principles of disaster risk management, there are many areas that require improved performance in order to reach internationally accepted standards. To improve the profile and performance of disaster risk management the Government will focus on: o Elevating disaster risk management as a policy priority o Generating political commitment o Promoting disaster risk management as a multi-sector responsibility o Assigning accountability for disaster losses and impacts o Allocating necessary resources for disaster risk reduction o Enforcing the implementation of disaster risk management o Facilitating participation from civil society and the private sector Being located in disaster prone area Timor-Leste will be vulnerable to disasters caused by climatic changes which can have a big impact on economic and social infrastructure and affect the lives of Timorese people. Therefore, the Government considers it a priority to develop the policies which contain measures to prevent natural disaster in order to save human lives and property. Toward this end, there is a need to consolidate a culture of prevention and to provide the nation with means to prevent natural disasters and/or at least to minimize the effects of disasters. 7

10 5 GAPS AND CHALLENGES FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION RELATED INITIATIVES The government of Timor-Leste together with development partners and other stakeholders has indicated willingness to commit to DRR issues, and has developed a set of DRR related policies to facilitate coordination of the inputs of different stakeholders toward mitigation of natural disaster and emergency situation. It operates at national level and has linkages to the district, sub district and suco level. But still a range of gaps and challenges remain to be tackled. As reported by the World Bank (Reducing the Risk of Disasters and Vulnerability in the Pacific Islands) that there are still many challenges for Timor-Leste to tackle when considering how the nation can implement disaster risk reduction measures as summarized as follow : Legal framework and policies and their effectiveness: Lack of legislation to support the NDRM Policy. Lack of an institutional/governance framework for disaster risk management for procedure across sectors and levels. Lack of professional capacity in the middle levels of government. Inter-Government and agency coordination: Limited inter-governmental coordinating mechanism to ensure whole of government involvement in disaster risk reduction. There is a need for a policy discussion to consider the integration of DRM and climate change adaptation initiatives. Knowledge, data and tools: Lack of technical capacity in the areas of hazard monitoring and assessment. Lack of capacity to understand and process core climate data and provide continuing collection of DRM and CCA data. Lack of historical time-series data for risk assessment. Lack of spatially distributed data sufficient to construct hazard maps at a scale appropriate for planning and risk reduction. Lack of adequate data monitoring networks to meet future needs of vulnerability and risk assessment. No procedures or capacity for systematic and consistent collection of disasters damage and loss data. Lack of current and comparable socio-economic data and information at appropriate sub-district, suco and town scales. Vulnerability and risk assessment: Lack of vulnerability and risk assessments and maps required to plan and implement DRR activities, and lack of models and tools for analyzing and interpreting data for purpose of vulnerability and risk assessments, risk profiles and mapping. Lack of identified priorities for vulnerability and risk assessments. 8

11 Monitoring and evaluation: Lack of monitoring and evaluation reporting with mechanism to promote improvement. Lack of an institutional framework for DRM within which development planning and evaluation parameters can be set across sectors and levels. Awareness raising and capacity building: Lack of institutional and planning framework for coordination of capacity development across national, district, sub-district and community levels is a strong impediment to development of DRR initiatives. Coordination among donors and key stakeholders: There is a need for better recognition and coordination of the long-term development needs on a programmatic basis and process to facilitate DRM and CCA funding within an integrated framework. A summary of areas of opportunity for improvement of disaster risk reduction initiatives in Timor-Leste are summarized in Table 2. Table 2: SWOT Analysis on Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives in Timor-Leste Strengths: Existence of national DRM related policy. Existence of DRR Institution and Initiatives up to Suco level Existence tool for building disaster database and analyzing disaster trend (DesInventar) Existence of several studies related with hazard and risk assessment Dedicated workforces/institutions to DRM programmes at various institution levels Commitment by the government, donor and development agencies to support DRR programmes Weaknesses: Skewed focus on emergency response and less on disaster preparedness and long-term management Focus on relief and rehabilitation phases of disaster responses, and paying less attention in addressing DRR on the longer term Inadequate hazard related data in the country needed to support the national risk assessment Inadequacy of weather and climate related data collection infrastructure and manpower to collect and analyze Disharmony in the use of adopted approaches and criteria in prioritization of issues and areas, this emanating from interest or sectoral analyses of the individual organizations or agencies Inadequate cross-sectoral coordination and harmonization of adopted approaches 9

12 Strengths: Weaknesses: Relatively low technical capacity of institution services providers with regard to risk assessment External funding opportunities allow agencies to act independently, not in a collaborated fashion Multiple funding streams can also lead of lack of coordination DRR policy is seen as MSS and NDMD policy not the whole Government of RDTL DRM policy. As like the DRM is not mainstreamed in the routine business and works of line ministries. There is no DRR Act to delineate the division of roles and responsibilities and institutional arrangement for DRM While the disaster risks in RDTL are localized, the structure and institutional arrangement encourage accumulation of more capacities and authorities at central level which prevent DRR at local level. DRR works are not mainstreamed within other development sector programmes and work such as livelihood and environment. Opportunities: Advance technologies are available to foster more effective human resources activities and conduct risk assessment studies. Availability of data and information from public domains which can be used to conduct hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment of the country Promote teamwork across relevant departments Collaborate with external communities/partners Building on existing institutional sets-up and Threats: Existence of both human and naturally induced disasters Global climate change impacting Timor- Leste Non-achievement of inter-agency institutional collaboration due to stringent guidelines principles. Support agencies adhering to own interest regarding issues and approaches related to disaster risk reduction programmes at the various level Inadequate coordination and communication 10

13 Opportunities: capacity especially local authorities. Adoption of multi-sectoral system approach to planning and implementation of disaster risk reduction programmes Capacity building for staff facilitating and coordinating the DRR programmes Threats: at the various institutions levels Lack of consensus on modalities and guidelines for information sharing Inadequate budgetary framework and allocation to support linkages and networking among stakeholders Adoption of longer term vision and strategies on disaster risk reduction and related development initiatives 11

14 REFERENCES A Comprehensive National Risk Assessment and Mapping in Timor-Leste Ministry of Interior (2005). National Disaster Risk Management Plan for the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. Retrieved from: and United Nations Development Program [UNDP] (2010). Disaster Risk and Hazard Map Analysis for Timor-Leste: An Overview of Existing Risk Maps, Disaster Risk Management Institutional and Operational Systems Development in Timor-Leste Project Adaptation Learning Mechanism [ALM] (2009). Country Profile East Timor. Retrieved from Central Intelligence Agency [CIA] (2011). Timor-Leste. The World Factbook. Retrieved from Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] (2010). Global Forest Resources Assessment Ministry of Social Solidarity [MSS] (2208). National Disaster Risk Management Policy, Secretary of State for Social Assistance and Natural Disasters, National Disaster Management Directorate Pacific Climate Change Science Program [PCCSP] (2011). Current and Future Climate of Timor-Leste International Federation of Red Cross [IFRC] (2007). Timor-Leste: Flooding and Landslide, Disaster Relief Emergency Fund Bulletin, September UNOCHA (2011). Timor-Leste: Natural Hazard Risks. Retrieved from The World Bank (2010). Reducing the Risk of Disaster and Climate Variability in the Pacific Islands: Timor-Leste Country Assessment. Retrieved from ESSMENT.pdf Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization [CSIRO] (2010). Climate Change in Timor-Leste: a Brief Overview on Future Climate Projections Asian Disaster Preparedness Center [ADPC] (2003). Climate Risk and Agriculture in Timor Loro Sae, Seminar on Climate Change and Severe Weather Events in Asia and the Caribbean, Barbados McCue, K. (1999). Seismic Hazard Mapping in Australia, the Southwest Pacific and Southeast Asia, Annali di Geofisica, Vol.42, No.6, December 12

15 ANNEX: DISASTER RELATED STUDIES IN TIMOR LESTE Year 2011 Title Institution Summary Source Other Information Pacific Catastrophe Risk Assessment and Financing Initiative World Bank, ADB Timor-Leste is expected to incur, on average, 5.9 million USD per year in losses due to earthquakes and tropical cyclones. In the next 50 years, Timor-Leste has a 50% chance of experiencing a loss exceeding 88 million USD and casualties larger than 300 people, and a 10% chance of experiencing a loss exceeding 530 million USD and casualties larger than 2,100 people. Figure 1. Building replacement cost by district 13

16 Figure 2. Contribution from different district to the average loss for tropical cyclone and earthquake (ground shaking and tsunami) Figure 3. Contribution from the different districts to the tropical cyclone and earthquake (ground shaking and tsunami) average annual loss divided by the replacement cost of the assets in each district 14

17 Figure 4. Direct Losses (in absolute terms and normalized by GDP) caused by either tropical storm or earthquake that are expected to be exceeded, on average, once in the time period indicated. Figure 5. Average annual loss due to tropical cyclones and earthquakes (ground shaking and tsunami) and its contribution from three assets 15

18 Table 1. Estimated losses and casualties caused by natural perils 16

19 Year 2008 Title Institution Summary Source Other Information DREF operational final report Timor-Leste: Flooding and Landslide International Federation of Cross and Red Crescent Societies USD 125,772 was allocated from the Federation s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 25 July 2007 to support the national society in delivering assistance to 47 beneficiaries. Up to 94 percent of the available funds were utilized for the operation. In July 2007, Timor-Leste experienced severe downpours leading to flooding and landslides. Overall, a total number of 947 beneficiaries (243 families, consisting of 463 men and 484 women) in six districts were badly affected. Through the DREF support, the operation was planned for five months; July through November However, due to security problems, heavy rains and flooding, insurgency activities and logistics problems such as the purchase of appropriate timber, the operation was extended until March Table 1. The number of distribution shelter for repair river embankments and river bed excavation 17

20 Year 2012 Title Institution Summary Source Other Information Disaster Need Analysis : Preparedness Timor-Leste Emergency Capacity Building (ECB) Project - ACAPS In May 2002, Timor-Leste gained independence from Indonesia. In 2006, the country suffered large-scale internal conflict, which led to the displacement of 150,000 people. The latest parliamentary polls on 7 July 2012 were considered an important milestone towards peaceful democratic governance. The UN announced that evidence of fair and peaceful polls would trigger the withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping force UNMIT and additional forces comprised mainly of Australian troops. Despite its troubled political past, Timor-Leste s economy continues to grow rapidly. Offshore gas reserves have increased state income, and government spending is starting to contribute to poverty reduction and improved social outcomes. Food insecurity remains widespread throughout Timor-Leste with 20% of the population food insecure and 44% vulnerable to food insecurity. Though the majority of the population works in subsistence agriculture, agricultural productivity is low and Timor- Leste depends on food imports. High inflation rates, partly caused by the large oilexports, make access to food and services increasingly difficult. Malnutrition among children <5 is a widespread health concern with health services in Timor-Leste characterized by weak infrastructure and low human resource capacity. The country is prone to severe and recurrent drought, flooding and landslides. Tropical cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis also represent risks ADC7/$file/ACAPS_TimorLestePreparedness.pdf 18

21 19

22 20

23 21

24 Year 2007 Title Institution Summary Source Other Information Disaster Preparedness in Timor-Leste European Commission Humanitarian Aid Timor-Leste is highly vulnerable to recurrent natural hazards, in particular flash floods, landslides and erosion resulting from the combination of heavy monsoonal rain, steep topography and wide-spread deforestation. Frequent tropical storms and occasional earthquakes which could trigger tsunamis represent additional potential disasters. Every four to seven years the country experiences the El Niño/Southern Oscillation related weather anomalies provoking mainly droughts. These hazards have a negative impact on livelihoods and development perspectives, in particular of the poorest people. The country, barely recovering from years of conflict and instability, is still fragile, with a population highly dependent on agriculture. The irregularity of seasonal patterns, recurrent meteorological shocks, as well as the impact of floods and landslides can easily cause disaster situations at household level. 22

25 Year 2010 Title Institution Summary Source Other Information Disaster Risk and Hazard Map Analysis for Timor-Leste: An overview of existing risk maps Disaster Risk Management Institutional and Operational Systems Development in Timor-Leste Project, UNDP The national level risk maps covered in this report indicate that Timor-Leste faces high levels of exposure to disaster hazards and that there are many vulnerable elements exposed to these hazards. The maps provide guidance for government officials and planners as they give an indication of which districts have higher exposure to risk related to particular hazards. To assist further analysis more detailed maps can be produced at district, sub-district and suco level where the data indicates high levels of risk. Much risk reduction work requires integration within planning timeframes that are annual or longer-term. However, there are many potential risk reduction activities that could be started in the short-term if the government were to indicate they were a priority and allocate resources. These include: Warning systems A system could be developed for disseminating disaster warning information to district and suco level in a timely manner. Public awareness There are many basic messages relating to disaster preparedness that can be given to the public at large. Targeted messages can also be given to specific groups, e.g. those living in areas considered vulnerable to tsunamis. Awareness rising on longer-term risk reduction, e.g. location and style of house construction, would also be very valuable. Give stronger attention to land-use planning and oversight of the built environment. mor_jan'10_ver_4_(3).pdf 23

26 24

27 25

28 26

29 27

30 Year 2010 Title Institution Timor-Leste - Disaster Statistics The OFDA/CRED International Disaster Database, Universit catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Bel Summary Data related to human and economic losses from disasters that have occurred between 1980 and Source Other Information EM-DAT: The OFDA/CRED International Disaster Database, Universit catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Bel 28

31 29

32 30

33 31

34 Additional Hazard Map (compiled from multiple sources/report) 32

35 33

36 Disaster Information of Timor-Leste (sources: ) Year Glide Number FL TMP FF TMP Event Country Comment Flood Flash Flood Timor- Leste Timor- Leste Timor-Leste experiences rains during June and July every year. However, the torrential rain over two weeks in different parts of the country from 2 June 2007 led to flooding and landslides which killed people, destroyed infrastructure, damaged livelihoods and made many people homeless in six districts. Tropical cyclone "Daryl" spawned a stormy weather off the western coast of Australia during the second week of January The cyclonic winds from this disturbance descended upon the island of Timor-Leste for four days and destroyed more than 500 houses and corn and rice crops in at least four districts (Ainaro, Bobnaro, Baucau & Viqueque). The situation in the district became worse on 31 January when it rained for eleven hours. The Tono River broke its bank and inundated the surrounding villages. At least ten upland and lowland villages affected. 34