Palau disaster management reference handbook (2026)

This Disaster Management Reference Handbook offers Palau’s disaster management (DM) partners a resource for understanding both the potential for disasters in the country and the network of people and institutions ready to respond. Palau is exposed to hazards that have the potential to create a disaster that affects the entire population. Like many of its fellow Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), Palau’s small population and economy mean the country has limited resources for expanding coping capacity. Thus, it has built strong bilateral and multilateral partnerships. This Disaster Management Reference Handbook offers Palau’s disaster management (DM) partners a resource for understanding both the potential for disasters in the country and the network of people and institutions ready to respond.

Tropical cyclones and droughts are the most common hazard events that lead to declarations of states of emergency and appeals for international assistance. The entire country is exposed to both hazards, and vulnerabilities are high in both remote areas and areas of dense population. Responding to events across the country is difficult logistically due to the country’s limited transportation network. The National Disaster Risk Management Framework is the underlying conceptual document guiding all aspects of DM. It outlines institutional roles and responsibilities, describes chains of reporting and authority, and details standard operating procedures (SOP) for the National Emergency Operations Center. The lead agency is the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO). It provides critical national-level support for state and local responders. Meanwhile, Palau’s government works with United Nations (UN) entities, Pacific regional organizations, and other countries to deliver projects that identify hazards, reduce vulnerability, and enhance coping capacity among communities.