On September 2, 2024, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Media Unit visited Orlalan Village, Laclubar Post in Manatuto Municipality, Timor-Leste, to witness the implementation of the Early Warning System (EWS) and assess disaster preparedness in the region. The delegation, led by Mr. Filipe, UN Media Representative from New York, was joined by Mr. Felizberto Araújo Duarte, President of the National Authority for Combating Climate Change, Public Institute (AND, I.P.), and the UNEP PMU team. The visit marked the official handover of EWS equipment to the Orlalan community, followed by a disaster simulation exercise focused on responding to landslides.
The event highlighted the collaboration between various local and international organizations, including the CVTL (Timor-Leste Red Cross) and the National Directorate of Meteorology and Geophysics (DNMG), as well as APC Manatuto and the local disaster management teams. During the handover ceremony, Mr. Felizberto Duarte praised the efforts of the CVTL and expressed his appreciation for their role in enhancing the community’s resilience to natural disasters.
Community involvement played a key role in the day’s activities, with the Orlalan Village Chief, students from Orlalan Primary School, and local volunteers participating in the disaster preparedness simulation. The event was attended by 54 participants, including 31 women and 23 men, demonstrating the broad support for climate change mitigation and disaster management initiatives in the village.
This visit marks a significant step forward in Timor-Leste’s efforts to strengthen its early warning systems and disaster response capabilities, especially in remote areas like Orlalan. The collaboration between national and international agencies is crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change and ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities across the country.
