Dili, June 3, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Civil Protection Authority (APC), through its External Relations and Communication Office, provided a weekly update on natural disasters that occurred across Timor-Leste over the past two weeks. The press conference was held at the APC meeting hall in Caicoli, Dili, on Monday.
Head of the External Relations and Communication Office (GREK), Nelson Nunes Orleans, reported that from May 26 to June 2, 2025, a total of 13 households were affected by natural disasters across seven municipalities.
“During the disasters in these seven municipalities, APC registered five households that met the criteria for emergency assistance, and another nine households affected to various degrees. One fatality was also recorded. APC provided immediate emergency support to the victims,” said Nelson Nunes Orleans.
He further explained that within one week, APC registered nine heads of households affected by natural disasters, provided emergency assistance to five of them, and recorded 46 individuals affected, one death, and seven people evacuated.
Additionally, in four municipalities, APC reported the following damages: seven homes damaged by strong winds, three by landslides, two by house fires, one by flooding, and one death due to a fallen tree.
“The seven municipalities affected included Baucau. In, Baucau Vila Administrative Post, Buruma Village, Suli-ua Hamlet (28/05/2025), where a tree fell and killed Francisco da Silva, aged 48, while he was on his way to fetch water. In, Bahu Village, Makadae Hamlet (23/05/2025), where strong winds damaged one house. In, Uailili Village, Ledatame Hamlet (18/05/2025), strong winds damaged one house. In, Laga Administrative Post, Sagadate Village, Seligua Hamlet (19/05/2025), strong winds damaged one house. In, Vemasse Administrative Post, Ossoala Village, Uma-ana-iku Hamlet (20/05/2025), strong winds damaged one house. In, Quelecai Administrative Post, Maluro Village, Samafalo Hamlet (22/05/2025), landslide damaged a home and caused one fatality. In, Baguia Administrative Post, Larisula Village, Lauhare Hamlet (27/05/2025), strong winds damaged one home,” Nelson explained.
In Covalima Municipality, Suai Vila Administrative Post, Debus Village, Tabako Lot Hamlet (30/05/2025), strong winds damaged one house, and emergency assistance was provided. In Bobonaro Municipality, Bobonaro Administrative Post, Molop Village, Molop Taz Hamlet (21/05/2025), a landslide damaged two houses, and victims were evacuated to safe shelters.
“In Lautem Municipality, Lospalos Administrative Post, Fuiluro Village, 31 de Agosto Hamlet (27/05/2025), a fire destroyed a house, including a kitchen, six sacks of corn, one laptop, and a three-wheeled motorcycle. In Manufahi Municipality, Alas Administrative Post, Dotik Village, Lakluan Hamlet (27/05/2025), flooding damaged one house, and emergency assistance was provided,” he added.
He also highlighted that in RAEOA (Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno), Nitibe Sub-region, Bene-ufe Village, Citrana Hamlet (26/05/2025), a fire damaged one house, though it did not meet the full disaster criteria, emergency aid was still provided. In Viqueque Municipality, Viqueque Administrative Post, Caraubalu Village, Cabira-oan Hamlet (29/05/2025), strong winds damaged one house, which was classified as a severe impact.
He explained that victims of natural disasters have already received emergency aid from APC and relevant partners in the affected municipalities. The aid includes food and non-food items. APC’s Municipal Operational Commands will continue to assess the data and conditions of affected households.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano