Timor-Leste: Fortnightly humanitarian update, 21 Sep - 05 Oct 2007

I. LATEST ESTIMATED FIGURES

See also Maps - Annex A, B, C (pages 11-13)

Internally Displaced Persons

(Source: Ministry of Social Solidarity Information Centre, as of 26 Sept 2007)

Dili - 30,000 (approximate)

Districts - 70,000 (approximate)

Population Affected by Recent Civil Unrest

(Source: Ministry of Social Solidarity Information Centre, as of 26 September 2007)

Baucau - 1114

Viqueque - 2497

IDP Camps

(Source: Ministry of Social Solidarity Information Centre, as of 1 October 2007)

Dili - 53 remain open

Baucau - 10 remain open

Transitional Shelters

(Source: Norwegian Refugee Council, as of 1 October 2007)

Becora, all phases - 156 units occupied / 156 units built

Quarantina - 72 units occupied / 72 units built

Tibar - 123 units occupied / 123 units built

F-FDTL - 85 units occupied / 100 units built

Hera Port - 0 units occupied / 53 units built

Fatumeta - 80 units reserved / 80 units under construction

Total - 436 units occupied / 508 units built, 85.8% occupied

Government Assisted Return and Resettlement (from Dili)

(Source: Ministry of Social Solidarity Information Centre, as of 27 Sept 2007)

II. HUMANITARIAN ISSUES UPDATE

La Niña

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has determined that a La Niña event has developed. La Niña is a climatic phenomenon that causes abnormally frequent and heavy rains. For Timor-Leste, this could have profound effects on the humanitarian situation.

According to the NGO Human Securities International, in the worst-case scenario, landslides could isolate sub-districts, and flooding damage could impact both humanitarian and state security services. IDPs and host communities could experience health emergencies, and IDPs may settle in new areas, including watercourses. Humanitarian actors unfamiliar with the hydrological dangers of Timor-Leste's high velocity flooding and land movement could face increased hazards.

However, in the most likely scenario, the west of Timor-Leste could see rains beginning mid-October, and the wet season commences in the rest of the country earlier than the normal December beginning. Many farmers may have limited buying capacities for seed stocks for cropping, whilst monsoonal storms, rainfall, flooding and landslides could impact crops and infrastructure, possibly leading to injury or death.

Humanitarian actors are advised to make preparations for wet season with these possibilities in mind.

Regarding wet season generally, humanitarian agencies and Government are in the midst of preparations. Details are available in Section III: Sector Updates.

Metinaro

According to Government assessment teams, civil unrest in Metinaro beginning 23 August 2007 resulted in the destruction of 30 houses and damage to 53. 692 IDPs are seeking refuge near the Metinaro police station, whilst others are scattered around the area. Dialogue is ongoing between the inhabitants of the IDP camp in Metinaro and the local population. The Government of Timor-Leste is providing emergency humanitarian relief to the affected population, including food and tarpaulins.

Baucau and Viqueque Civil Unrest

Following the announcement of the formation of the new Government in August, civil unrest in Baucau and Viqueque led to the destruction of hundreds of homes and the displacement of thousands of people. Recent Government assessment teams report the following: 35 sucos and seven sub-districts in Baucau and Viqueque are affected; the bulk of the burnt of destroyed houses are in Afaloicai and Babulo sub-districts in Viqueque; and most displacements occurred within those sub-districts, with the exception of three sucos in Uatocarbau sub-district.

However, the situation has steadily improved. Viqueque's affected population has decreased from 5125 on 27 August to 2497 on 26 September 2007. Baucau's figures have decreased from 2712 to 1114 over the same period.

Consolidated Appeals Process for Timor-Leste

So far, the 2007 Consolidated Appeal is 54.9% funded with US$ 19 million received out of the US$ 35.5 million requested. The Food sector is one of the most funded (75% of requirement) with over US$ 10.5 million received. Unfortunately, some sectors such as Education, Security, Shelter and Non-food items have not received any funds yet. General information about the Consolidated Appeal Process is available at http://www.humanitarianappeal.net and http://www.reliefweb.int/fts.

International Compact

The process of compiling and drafting the results of the Workshops were finalized 15 August. A draft document summarising the results of the Compact workshops will be released for further review and comment. The Compact is due to be launched in October. For more information on the Timor-Leste Compact see http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EKOI-73B2HD?OpenDocument.