Strengthening Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Programme
About the DRM Programme
Communities all over Timor-Leste are at risk from the impacts of disasters caused by natural hazards. Around 80 per cent of the country’s population has already experienced the effects of a natural disaster in their lifetime. The country’s location and vulnerability to cyclic climatic events means that every year people suffer from localized events including floods, landslides, strong winds and prolonged dry seasons. Timor-Leste is also prone to earthquakes and tsunamis which could significantly affect the lives of people and have an enormous impact on economic and social infrastructure. (Lee versaun Tetum iha ne'e)
The DRM Programme builds the capacity of vulnerable communities and the Government to manage disasters and reduce the risks from climate change at both the national and district levels.
Project goals
Educate key decision makers within the Government on the risks of natural disasters and extreme weather events and their links to development within the context of climate change
Ensure disaster risk reduction efforts are included in the policies, plans and budgets of the five development ministries
Strengthen the National Disaster Operations Center and the District Disaster Operations Centers abilities to both prepare for and respond to disasters effectively and systematically
Ensure vulnerable communities are able to participate in disaster risk reduction and local climate change adaptation