Timor-Leste disaster management reference handbook 2022

This publication, part of the Disaster Management Reference Handbook Series, intends to provide decision makers, planners, responders and disaster management practitioners with an overview of the disaster management structure, policies, laws, and plans for each country covered in the series. Natural and man-made threats most likely to affect the country are discussed. The handbooks also provide basic country background information, including cultural, demographic, geographic, infrastructure and other relevant data.

Timor-Leste is exposed to floods, landslides, tropical cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, and epidemics. Climate change is expected to cause more erratic and extreme rainfall and higher temperatures. The country's agricultural sector, upon which about 70% of the population depends for food and livelihoods, stands to be the economic sector most affected by climate change.