Dili, January 13, 2026 (Democracia Media) – The Civil Protection Authority (APC) held a press conference to update information regarding natural disasters that occurred from 5–12 January 2026. During this one-week period, the situation across Timor-Leste was generally normal. The press conference took place at the APC Hall in Caicoli, Dili, on Monday.
The Director of the External Affairs and Communication Office (GREK-APC), Cezario da Silva Marques, stated that during the week, CNOPC-APC recorded several types of natural disasters, with a total of 99 houses damaged across Timor-Leste. He also urged all citizens to remain vigilant in order to protect themselves from disasters.
“The natural disasters recorded include strong winds damaging 11 houses, house fires affecting 2 houses, 12 cases meeting damage criteria, 87 cases receiving emergency assistance only, 542 people affected, and 86 cases of flooding,” said the Director of the External Affairs and Communication Office (GREK-APC), Cezario da Silva Marques.
The Director explained that the disasters occurred in several municipalities, including Baucau Municipality with 2 houses damaged by strong winds and 1 house affected by fire; Bobonaro Municipality with flooding affecting a total of 51 houses; Ermera Municipality with 2 houses damaged by strong winds and 1 house affected by fire; Lautem Municipality with 1 house damaged by strong winds; Liquiça Municipality with 2 houses damaged by strong winds and flooding affecting 35 houses; Manufahi Municipality with 3 houses damaged by strong winds; and Viqueque Municipality with 1 house damaged by strong winds.
“The description of natural disaster incidents in Baucau Municipality includes Baucau Post, Wailili Village, Assobua Hamlet, where on 03/01/2026 strong winds damaged one community house classified as severely damaged. In Wailili Village, Zedatane Hamlet, on 07/01/2026 strong winds damaged one community house classified as moderately damaged. In Puibau Village, Loidua Hamlet, on 08/01/2026 a house fire completely destroyed one community house,” the Director stated.
The Director further informed that in Bobonaro Municipality, Atabae Post, Aidabaleten Village, Tutubaba Hamlet, on 01/01/2026 flooding damaged 36 community houses, which did not meet the criteria for emergency assistance. In Aidabaleten Village, Sulilaran Hamlet, flooding on the same date damaged 11 houses, also not meeting emergency assistance criteria. In Aidabaleten Village, Tasimean Hamlet, flooding damaged 4 houses, likewise not meeting emergency assistance criteria.
In Ermera Municipality, Hatolia Post, Asulau Sares Village, Dirhati Hamlet, on 07/01/2026 strong winds damaged one community house categorized as moderately damaged. In Tokoluli Village, Kaisahe Hamlet, on 03/01/2026 a house fire damaged one house classified as moderately damaged. In Ermera Post, Poetete Village, Poetete Hamlet, on 11/11/2025 strong winds damaged one community house categorized as moderately damaged.
The Director highlighted that in Lautem Municipality, Luro Post, Com Village, Pitileti Hamlet, on 03/01/2021 strong winds damaged one community house classified as severely damaged. Meanwhile, in Liquiça Municipality, Loes Post, Vatuboro Village, Vaupu Hamlet, on 05/01/2026 flooding affected 15 community houses, of which 14 did not meet the damage criteria and 1 was classified as moderately damaged. In Vatuboro Village, Caibalir Hamlet, flooding on the same date affected 20 houses and only emergency assistance was provided because the houses did not meet the criteria; affected families were evacuated to relatives’ homes. In Maubara Post, Vaviquina Village, Maubara Hamlet, on 05/01/2026 strong winds damaged two community houses that did not meet the damage criteria.
In Manufahi Municipality, Alas Post, Taitudak Village, Ailora Hamlet, on 02/01/2026 strong winds completely destroyed one community house, categorized as totally damaged. In Babulo Village, Lianai Hamlet, on 27/12/2025 strong winds completely destroyed one community house. In Same Post, Holarua Village, Tirlolo Hamlet, on 06/01/2026 strong winds completely destroyed one community house.
The Director also emphasized that in Viqueque Municipality, Viqueque Post, Bahalara Village, Aisahe Hamlet, on 05/01/2026 strong winds damaged one community house, categorized as moderately damaged.
He further explained that APC command posts deployed in the municipalities, together with relevant partners, provided emergency assistance to affected families, including food and non-food items. The Municipal Operational Command of the Civil Protection Authority (APC) will continue conducting detailed assessments of damaged and lost property.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano