NGIWAL, Palau (Dec. 11, 2024) — Ngiwal State celebrated the handover of the upgraded Ngermechau Multipurpose Center, an emergency evacuation shelter, as part of efforts to bolster disaster preparedness and resilience against climate change impacts. The facility, strengthened under the USAID-funded Inclusive Mitigation and Preparedness in Action (IMPACT) Project, now features critical enhancements designed to protect the community during natural disasters.
The IMPACT Project focuses on addressing climate-related hazards such as typhoons, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events. With medium risk assessments by the World Bank, these hazards pose significant challenges to Palau’s vulnerable communities. Ngiwal is among four priority states targeted by the project, which employs hazard vulnerability and capacity mapping (HVCM) to better prepare local populations.
Ngiwal State was greatly impacted by Supertyphoon Haiyan in 2013, where many homes and roads along the shoreline were heavily damaged by waves and high winds. School buildings used as typhoon shelter had to be evacuated due to unsafe conditions.
The newly upgraded Ngermechau Multipurpose Center includes storm-resistant typhoon shutters on all windows and doors, solar-powered lighting, typhoon tie-downs for water tanks, a heavy-duty generator, two high-powered fans, a water pump with filters, and a portable wheelchair ramp. The improvements aim to ensure safety, sustainability, and accessibility during emergencies.
“USAID is the donor for these projects. It is with their funding that the fortification of these emergency shelters is possible,” said Indeara Daniels, National Programme Support Officer for Disaster Risk Reduction at the International Organization for Migration (IOM). “The project timeline for upgrades in other states extends to 2026.”
Beyond shelter improvements, the IMPACT Project engages stakeholders to evaluate disaster response capacities and address gaps. It supports initiatives such as decentralized emergency supply warehousing, bolstering water and food security, and implementing sustainability measures to enhance Palau’s disaster response mechanisms.
During the handover ceremony, Ngiwal Governor Francisco Melaitau and Public Infrastructures and Industries Minister Charles I. Obichang praised the collaborative efforts of NEMO, IOM, USAID, and the Ngiwal State Government. They underscored the importance of these initiatives in safeguarding communities and adapting to climate change.
Attendees toured the fortified facility, which now stands as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated disaster preparedness efforts. The upgraded center is expected to serve as a reliable haven for the Ngiwal community during emergencies, reinforcing Palau’s broader commitment to building safer, more resilient communities. By: Eustoria Marie Borja