Timor-Leste, a small island nation in Southeast Asia, is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, grappling with the devastating impacts of extreme weather. However, a combination of local knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and support from the United Nations is helping its communities better prepare for disasters.
In April 2021, catastrophic flash floods swept through Timor-Leste, killing over 30 people and destroying 4,000 homes. Orlalan, a remote village of nearly 6,000 people, was among the worst-hit areas. With limited disaster preparedness, residents were caught off guard as landslides and floodwaters surged.
Today, community leaders like Armandina Valentina are driving grassroots efforts to ensure their neighbors are better equipped for the next disaster. She tirelessly educates residents, particularly prioritizing vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly, on evacuation protocols and safety measures.
Building Resilience Through Preparedness
Supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Timor-Leste has launched a disaster preparedness program that includes community training, disaster simulations, and technology integration.
Disaster drills have become a cornerstone of this effort, particularly for children, who learn skills like first aid, calling for help, and finding safe evacuation routes. Young volunteers like Fretiliana Alves have embraced the training, seeing it as a way to protect their community and save lives.
Inclusivity is a key feature of the program, with training tailored for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. For example, Antonio Ornai, a visually impaired resident, recently participated in a landslide simulation, gaining confidence in protecting himself during emergencies.
Harnessing Technology for Early Warnings
Timor-Leste’s disaster preparedness has received a significant boost with the installation of advanced meteorological equipment. These include nine Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and other systems capable of transmitting real-time data on rainfall, wind speed, and temperature, even from remote areas without internet access.
Director of the National Department of Meteorology and Geophysics, Terêncio Fernandes, highlights this as a transformative step. “We’re moving from a basic climate observation system to an advanced one, capable of providing comprehensive, real-time alerts.”
To amplify these efforts, solar-powered sound systems and megaphones are being deployed to disseminate warnings in remote areas, ensuring communities like Orlalan receive critical information well in advance of disasters.
Challenges and Hope for the Future
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Evacuation periods often strain food supplies, with floods destroying crops and leaving communities vulnerable. Adriano Soares, chief of the village of Torilalan, acknowledges the difficulty of ensuring adequate resources during crises.
However, Timor-Leste’s disaster response system, backed by UNEP and the Red Cross of Timor-Leste (CVTL), serves as a beacon of resilience. The initiative not only saves lives but also builds a model for global cooperation and climate adaptation.
As climate talks at COP29 unfold, Timor-Leste’s efforts underline the importance of investing in vulnerable nations. Its progress, rooted in the principles of the Green Climate Fund established in 2010, offers lessons for other countries facing similar threats.
By blending technology, community-driven initiatives, and international support, Timor-Leste is proving that even the most vulnerable nations can stand strong against the challenges of a changing climate.