Manufahi, 18–19 September 2026, — The Timor-Leste Red Cross (CVTL) conducted community and local authority consultations on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Anticipatory Action (AA) in Dotic Village, Manufahi Municipality, and Raimea Village, Covalima Municipality.
The consultations aimed to strengthen communities’ understanding, preparedness, and participation in reducing the risks associated with flooding. The activity provided an opportunity for community members and local authorities to discuss the proposed SOPs and their roles in taking early action before floods occur.
According to Mr. Josafat de Araujo, CVTL Anticipatory Action Manager, the activity is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community preparedness and support people to take timely and appropriate action ahead of potential floods. As part of the activity, CVTL also installed river-level markings to help communities monitor changes in water levels and recognize when early action may be needed.
“The river markings are important tools to help communities monitor water levels and take early and appropriate action before floods occur. They also serve as reminders for people who use or cross the river to remain cautious, particularly during the rainy season,” said Josafat de Araujo.
A total of 11 participants, including five females and six males, took part in the consultations, representing community members and local authorities from the respective villages. Their participation contributed to strengthening local understanding and ownership of anticipatory action measures and flood preparedness.
The activity was supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF), as part of efforts to strengthen anticipatory action and community-based disaster preparedness in Timor-Leste.
