UN mission in East Timor sets up group on coping with natural disasters
10 October --The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) announced today the creation of a disaster preparedness working group to develop plans for coping with the coming wet season.
The working group will bring together various UNTAET departments, peacekeepers, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to help minimize any possible impact of natural disasters and deal with emergency relief situations, according to a statement released by the mission today.
As part of the effort, communities will be mobilized to clear roadside drains, strengthen bridges and causeways, plant fast growing grasses in areas prone to erosion and undertake other disaster-prevention measures.
A number of efforts are already under way in East Timor aimed at preparing to cope with possible natural disasters. UNTAET's Infrastructure Department is working with the peacekeeping forces to prioritize the necessary engineering work, while a separate working group is prioritizing road building and maintenance. In addition, NGOs such as World Vision are involved in projects to prevent erosion and flooding.
