Suai, 25–26 April 2026 – Heavy rain in Covalima Municipality caused severe flooding in Suai Loro and led to the deaths of two residents from Kiar Sub-Village, Matai Village.
The Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL) received reports at around 3:00 PM of a river incident involving two individuals in the Kiar River, located in Kiar Sub-Village, Matai Village, Covalima Municipality.
According to CVTL Covalima Branch Coordinator Mr. Barnabe Ferreira, a rapid response operation was immediately launched. The Branch Disaster Response Team (BDRT CVTL Covalima Branch) and the National Disaster Response Team (NDRT-CVTL) deployed seven members, including four women and three men.
The teams worked closely with the Civil Protection Authority (APC-Covalima), the Municipal Civil Protection Service (SMPC-Covalima), the Covalima Fire Brigade, and local community members.
With support from the community, the female victim was found on the first day, but she had already passed away. The male victim remained missing overnight. Search operations continued the following day, and the second victim was later found deceased.
Authorities stated that some areas remain high-risk due to flooding and strong river currents, requiring extra caution from both emergency responders and the public.
Officials are urging communities to stay alert, share relevant information with authorities, and avoid flood-prone and dangerous areas.
