The Policy recognizes that local people suffer the most
from disasters. They are the front-line responders,
which may include “fright and flight” human survival
measures such as evacuating to higher ground and
harvesting survival foods, building traditional shelters,
and using traditional medicines. Communities
undertake precautionary measures and assist others
before outside help comes. The increasing frequency
of disasters and the resulting impacts on lives and
livelihoods has led community members to develop
several coping mechanisms and strategies based
on their existing capacities. However, because of
limited resources, knowledge, skills and technical
support, communities are often outside of any rapid
assistance network. The more able communities are
to manage emergencies, the less external assistance
will be needed. At present, many emergencies turn
into disasters because local communities do not have
the capacity or resources to respond adequately. For
example, requests for assistance are often made to
the national government in Dili following vehicle
accidents when a person is trapped in a vehicle and
when there is a small landslide.