Timor-Leste disaster management reference handbook (2025)

This updated Timor-Leste Disaster Management Reference Handbook is intended as a resource for civilian and military planners who are developing or executing disaster management (DM) engagements with Timor-Leste government or community practitioners. It provides background information on the country, as well as on Timor-Leste’s cooperation with international partners.

Recent years have seen Timor-Leste building strength and capacity across its domestic DM institutions even as it enhances its regional and international DM partnerships. The hazard picture for this small island state remains daunting, with extreme weather events frequently occurring and the threat of catastrophic seismic events looming. However, less than a quarter century since independence, the Timorese government and people continue to develop their political and economic systems by mobilizing strong social networks, and this work goes a long way to reducing socio-economic vulnerabilities that could lead to worse outcomes during a disaster event.