Construction has just been completed of the new Emergency Operation Centre in Palau for the Government of Palau at a cost of about US$480,000.00. Funding for the building was made available by the European Union through the Disaster Risk Reduction Project implemented by the Applied Geoscience & Technology Division (SOPAC) of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
The President of the Republic of Palau, His Excellency Johnson Toribiong and SOPAC Director, Dr. Russell Howorth, unveiled the plaque officially opening the building. In his opening statement Dr. Russell Howorth stated that “ the new Emergency Operation Centre will strengthen the capacity of the National Emergency Management Office prepare for and respond to natural disasters. It is important that we build community resilience to reduce the loss of human life.” The project will also equip the new building with early warning communication equipment and improve the linkage with remote communities.
In expressing the government and people of Palau's gratitude for the state of the art building, President Toribiong said "the new National Emergency Management Office is very important because it will be used to provide critical information to the public during emergencies. And we are very grateful to the European Union, SPC and SOPAC for the funding for this critical infrastructure that will benefit the people of Palau. We look forward to continued cooperation between EU, SPC, SOPAC and Palau on future emergency preparedness projects."
SOPAC has also assisted the Government in developing the National Disaster Risk Management Framework (DRM) for Palau that lays out updated DRM governance arrangements and continues to support Government efforts in implementing priorities under the new Framework. In the near future support will be extended to develop and implement a Joint DRM and Climate Change Adaptation National Action Plan. This new plan or JNAP as it is now commonly referred to across the region will be a very useful mechanism for Palau to use to guide future investments in DRM and CCA.
The European Union made available a total of €600,000 to the Government of Palau for disaster management through the Disaster Risk Reduction Project.
PHOTO : From (L-R): Vice President's Chief of Staff Mr. Warren Umetaro, NEMO Rep. Ms. Maylene I. Joshua, Mr. Amena Yauvoli, Manager of the SPC North Pacific Regional Office, Dr. Russell Howorth, Director of SPC/SOPAC Division and President of ROP Johnson Toribiong.
