Disaster loss and damage data assessment with multiple stakeholders in Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, a Least Developed Country (LDC) and a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), faces climate-exacerbated hazards like droughts, floods, and landslides, compounded by limited technical, financial, and human capacity, weak disaster data systems, and gaps in coordination, risk information, and inclusive Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) for vulnerable populations. 

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), with support from Portugal, led a comprehensive assessment of disaster loss and damage data collection practices, involving over 50 stakeholders from both government and non-government sectors. Outcomes included the development of standard operating procedures, methodologies, guidelines and training for officials from the Civil Protection Authority. 

The result of the assessment informed a methodology and procedural guidance for improved accounting for disaster loss and damage. This was applied in capacity strengthening work with the national government, with support from the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative through its Accelerated Support Window (ASW). 

Learning suggests that inter-agency and inter-ministry coordination takes sustained and dedicated effort and that active participation from vulnerable groups should be standard practice for equitable disaster preparedness.