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Palau Koror — President Surangel S. Whipps officially proclaimed September 2024 as Palau National Emergency Preparedness Month, emphasizing the urgent need for the country to prepare for natural and man-made disasters. The proclamation, Presidential Proclamation No. 24-374, was signed in August 2024 at the Presidential Satellite Office in Koror.
The declaration is in line with global efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, particularly in light of the growing threats posed by climate change and emerging diseases and pandemics. President Whipps stressed the importance of raising public awareness and encouraging proactive measures to strengthen individual and community disaster preparedness.
“With the growing threats posed by climate change and health crises, it is critical to implement adequate preparedness measures,” the declaration states. “We must engage the whole of society in disaster preparedness, ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in inclusive and resilient national strategies.”
Palau is working closely with U.S. partners, with a focus this year on empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. The collaboration includes the efforts of Palau’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, who currently serves as the Executive Committee Chair of the Pacific Islands Health Officials Association. The association promotes the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the U.S. by sharing best practices in addressing common challenges such as severe weather events and the impacts of climate change.
The declaration calls on all residents, businesses, and public and private institutions in Palau to actively participate in disaster preparedness measures. The declaration emphasizes that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility that contributes to national security and recovery. The declaration states: “By taking these measures, we ensure that as a nation we are better able to respond to threats to human life, animal and environmental health, food security, and public and private infrastructure.”
As part of the month-long commemoration, Palauans are encouraged to participate in activities that promote disaster preparedness, including developing emergency plans, building emergency supply kits, and participating in community preparedness programs.
The declaration urges all Palauans to work together to ensure the safety of individuals, families and communities from all forms of disasters and strengthen the nation’s commitment to disaster preparedness and recovery. (By LN Reklai)
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