Koror, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., has officially declared September 2024 as National Emergency Preparedness Month in Palau, emphasizing the urgent need for the nation to be ready for natural and man-made disasters. The proclamation, Presidential Proclamation No. 24-374, was signed in August 2024 at the Office of the President’s Satellite Office in Koror.
The declaration aligns with global efforts to enhance disaster readiness, particularly in light of increasing threats from climate change and emerging diseases and pandemics. President Whipps underscored the importance of raising public awareness and encouraging proactive measures to strengthen personal and community disaster resilience.
“With the growing threats posed by climate change and health crises, it is vital to implement adequate preparedness measures,” the proclamation stated. “Our entire community must engage in disaster preparedness efforts, ensuring that diverse perspectives are incorporated into an inclusive and resilient national strategy.”
Palau collaborates closely with partners in the United States, with a focus this year on empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. This collaboration includes the efforts of Palau’s Minister of Health and Human Services, who currently serves as President of the Executive Board of the Pacific Island Health Officers Association. The association promotes the well-being of U.S. Asian and Pacific Islander communities by sharing best practices for managing common challenges such as severe weather events and the impacts of climate change.
The proclamation calls on all residents, businesses, and public and private agencies in Palau to actively participate in preparedness measures. It stresses that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility that contributes to the safety and resilience of the nation. “By taking these steps, we ensure that as a nation, we are better prepared against threats to human life, animal and environmental health, food security, public and private infrastructure,” the proclamation noted.
As part of the month-long observance, Palauans are encouraged to engage in activities that promote disaster preparedness, including creating emergency plans, building emergency supply kits, and participating in community preparedness programs.
The proclamation urged all Palauans to take part in the collective efforts to ensure personal, family, and community safety against all forms of disasters, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to readiness and recovery. (By: L.N. Reklai)