DILI, 29 April 2026 (TATOLI) – President José Ramos-Horta visited 25 families affected by flooding in Suai-Loro Village, Loro Hamlet, Covalima Municipality, delivering humanitarian assistance and assuring residents of the government’s continued support.
During the visit, the President distributed basic necessities to families displaced or impacted by the floods, which followed heavy rainfall in the third week of April.
Flooding in Suai-Loro is a recurring annual event; this year, it occurred following heavy rains during the third week of April 2026.
“When I heard there was flooding, I made the decision to come to Suai. At this moment, Prime Minister Xanana is away on a border negotiation mission; if he (the PM) were in Dili, he would have come immediately, but since he is away, I decided to come because I do not want the people to feel alone,” said President Ramos-Horta.
He further emphasized that, wherever floods occur or there are victims of natural disasters—including the most vulnerable families within the community—he requests local authorities to notify the Presidency’s team so they can provide immediate assistance to the best of their ability.
Regarding the basic necessities distributed in Suai-Loro, this was direct support from the Presidency of the Republic in collaboration with the Secretariat of State for Civil Protection.
The effort was organized by the Presidency’s team through the Civil Society Services and Social Affairs Unit, led by Advisor Quintiliano Moníz, together with civil protection and local authorities of the Covalima Municipality.
During the activity, the President was also accompanied by the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Domingos Mariano Reis.
TATOLI
