DILI, 10 january 2023 (TATOLI) – More than 130 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes after flooding inundated parts of Dili on tuesday.
“Yesterday’s heavy rains caused several roads in the capital Dili to be submerged by floods, including the homes of 132 victims who had been evacuated with the support of the Secretary of State for Civil Protection (SEPS),” said Ismael Babo, the Head of the Civil Protection Authority at a press conference, in Dili, today.
Of the 132 victims affected by the floods, 76 are children, including six pregnant women, and five elderly people.
“The flood-affected families are currently staying at the SEPS Office in Dili,” said Babo.
These families are from flood-prone areas in Dili, including Caicoli, Mascarinhas, Becora, and several others.
To respond to this issue, SEPS has immediately mobilized its teams to distribute emergency relief (sleeping mattresses, blankets, clothes, food, etc.) to affected families.
Affected families were also assisted by the Ministry of Health with emergency medical services conducted by doctors.
SEPS continues to identify flood-affected families to provide emergency assistance.
On the same day, SEPS also recorded two houses damaged in the municipalities of Ermera and Covalima.
Babo urged communities living in the flood-prone areas to evacuate and seek protection during heavy rain.
SEPS reported a number of areas in Dili were flooded after heavy rains on tuesday, namely Caicoli, Mascarinhas, Golgota, Aimutin, Fatuhada, Becora, Beccuse, Bairopite, Surikmas, Hera, and Metinaro.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
