Palau has taken the first step to the construction of a warehouse, that will keep emergency supplies for disasters.
Ministers attending the 2nd Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministers Meeting in Koror, Palau officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony of the warehouse Wednesday.
The facility will store emergency supplies such as shelter kits, water containers, and sanitation equipment, ready for fast distribution when disaster strikes.
The facility is part of the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Programme, managed by the Pacific Community (SPC).
“This warehouse is part of our continued effort to ensure disaster response teams in Palau are equipped to quickly help our people in times of disaster, without having to wait for supplies to arrive from overseas,” said Vice President Oilouch, who is chairman of the Palau’s National Emergency Committee.
“By investing in preparedness and self-reliance, we ensure that help is available when our communities need it most, strengthening our resilience for the future.”
At least 14 Pacific Island nations and Timor Leste are part of the of warehousing programme, which is funded by the Governments of Australia, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
“One of the most powerful aspects of this programme is co-design. It ensures that Pacific countries like Palau are not just consulted but are leading the creation of systems that reflect local realities, strengths, and aspirations,” SPC’s Deputy Director-General Science and Capability, Paula Vivili said.
“This warehouse is a practical solution to a long-standing challenge, and it has been shaped by Palau’s leadership and vision.”
The programme aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific, and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent — all of which emphasise building resilience in the face of increasing climate-related disasters.
Seven Pacific Island countries — Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu — have donated land for warehouses.
More are expected to follow as consultations continue across the region.
