DILI, 20 january 2025 (TATOLI) – Heavy rains across many parts of Timor-Leste have left one person dead and at least one missing, the Civil Protection Authority (APC) said monday, issued evacuation warnings for those living near the areas prone to natural disaster.
The “recent heavy rains” caused river surges, floods, and landslides in many parts of the country.
“One person died after being struck by lightning and a child is missing after being swept away by a river,” said the APC’s head of external relations, Nelson Nunes de Orleans, in a statement, today.
He said that APC also registered 27 people who were affected by the recent natural disaster, especially the heavy rains that hit many parts of the country, including Aileu, Baukau, Dili, Ermera, Manufahi, and Viqueque.
Orleans warned and urged communities to avoid areas prone to disasters, including river banks, big trees, electricity cables, and so on.
The APC team has distributed emergency relief, including food, to families affected by the natural disaster.
It’s recalled that in apirl 2021, torrential rain overwhelmed the city of Dili, causing severe flash flooding, landslides, and destruction.
According to the government report, a total of 28,734 households have reportedly been affected by the floods across all 13 municipalities. Of whom, 90% – or 25,881 households – are in Dili municipality. As a result of the floods, more than 40 fatalities were recorded (including 10 missing).
TATOLI