Dili, July 15, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Civil Protection Authority (APC), through the Head of Section and Communication Directorate, held a press conference to report weekly data on natural disasters that occurred across the territory during the past week. The conference was held in the APC Hall in Caicoli, Dili, on Monday.
The Head of Section and Communication, Genoveba Fernandes Alves, stated that the Civil Protection Authority recorded a total of 141 disaster-related cases this past week, caused by various types of climate change events.
“This week, the Civil Protection Authority recorded a total of 27 houses damaged, 1 death, 2 missing people, 20 houses damaged by strong winds, 1 house swept away by a landslide, 6 houses destroyed by fire, 20 cases meeting criteria for intervention, 7 emergency support cases, and 5 people evacuated to safe locations. Altogether, 141 people were affected by natural disasters that occurred during the past week,” said Genoveba Fernandes Alves.
She added that disasters occurred across 7 municipalities including RAEOA. In Baucau Municipality, strong winds damaged 15 houses, and 1 house was swept away by a landslide. In Bobonaro Municipality, 1 house was destroyed by fire. In Ermera Municipality, 2 houses were destroyed by fire. In Lautem Municipality, there was 1 house affected by a landslide and 1 by fire. In Liquiçá Municipality, 1 person died and 2 went missing. In Viqueque Municipality, strong winds damaged 1 house. In RAEOA, strong winds damaged 4 houses and fire destroyed 1.
“In Bobonaro Municipality, Balibo Post, Leolima Village, Duaderok Hamlet, on 07/07/2025, a community house was destroyed by fire. It did not meet criteria for full support, but emergency aid was provided. In Ermera Municipality, Ermera Post, Humboe Village, Hatali Hamlet, on 10/07/2025, another house was destroyed by fire. Likewise, in Railaco Post, Fatuquero Village, Palimano Hamlet, on 10/07/2025, a house was destroyed by fire and received only emergency support due to its condition,” she explained.
She further reported that in Lautem Municipality, Lospalos Post, Fuiluro Village, Bemoris Hamlet, on 07/07/2025, a house was destroyed by fire. It did not meet criteria for full support but received emergency aid. In Cacavei Village, Solepara Hamlet, on 09/07/2025, landslides damaged 1 house completely, and now the affected family is temporarily living in a neighbor’s house.
“In Liquiçá Municipality, Bazartete Post, Maumeta Village, Nartutu Hamlet, on 10/07/2025, three children went swimming in the sea and were reported missing. One victim, Diago dos Santos, aged 13, was found at 18:20, while the other two, Tiago da Silva (10) and Deicino Freitas (14), have not yet been found. In Viqueque Municipality, Uatulari Post, Makadique Village, Batulari Hamlet, on 04/07/2025, strong winds damaged one house and caused significant hardship,” she said.
In RAEOA, Oesilo Sub-region, Usitaqueno Village, Nibin Hamlet, on 05/07/2025, a company vehicle crashed into a house. Only emergency support was provided, and the responsible company took action. In Pante Makassar Sub-region, Taiboko Village, Ulas and Nefobai Hamlets, on 06/07/2025, strong winds damaged two community houses. In Naimeco Village, Bonomesse Hamlet, on 07/07/2025, one house was damaged by strong winds. In Lifau Village, Oemolo Hamlet, on 08/07/2025, another house was affected by strong winds. In Nitibe Sub-region, Suni-ufe Village, Cabana Hamlet, on 08/07/2025, a house was destroyed by fire.
She explained further that the Civil Protection Authority teams deployed in each municipality, along with relevant partners, have already provided emergency assistance in the form of basic goods to communities affected by natural disasters, and recovery actions are being implemented according to the damage categories.
Reporting: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano