When disasters strike, timing is everything. In Palau, where remote communities can be cut off by storms or sea conditions, having emergency supplies close at hand can make all the difference.
Today, the Government of the Republic of Palau broke ground on the new national humanitarian warehouse that will be managed by the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO). The warehouse is designed to support faster, nationally-led disaster response. Once completed, it will store essential supplies such as shelter kits, hygiene items, solar lights, kitchen sets and more, ready to be deployed as early as possible to those affected by disaster.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place within the margins of the 2nd Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministers Meeting. The event was a powerful example of unity: Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch and Palau’s government and traditional leaders, Pacific Ministers responsible for Disaster Risk Management, Heads of Delegations, and development partners of the programme, all donned hard hats and took up shovels to break ground marking this milestone. Their participation underscored the collective spirit driving regional disaster interventions in the Pacific.
“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.”
The warehouse will be built under the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program, an initiative implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC) and funded by the Governments of Australia, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. It reflects a regional commitment to strengthening national disaster preparedness and response systems.
SPC’s Deputy Director-General Science and Capability, Mr. Paula Vivili, said the warehouse will be the result of Pacific-led design and decision-making. “One of the most powerful aspects of this program 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. This warehouse is a practical solution to a long-standing challenge, and it has been shaped by Palau’s leadership and vision.”
Executive Director of Palau’s NEMO, Mr. Waymine Towai, welcomed the milestone as a sign of Palau’s growing disaster readiness. “This warehouse has been a long-standing priority for Palau, and we are grateful to see this progress. It means we can act immediately, with supplies already in place and systems tailored to our needs,” Director Towai stated. “It’s about local leadership, timely action, and making sure no community is left behind when disaster strikes.”
The PHWP also supports Palau’s NEMO in preparedness and response with a strong focus on developing national capability in warehouse management systems. Through collaboration and localisation, PHWP complements national systems and empowers Pacific countries to manage humanitarian efforts effectively and independently.
First Assistant Secretary of Australia’s Humanitarian Division, Mr. Steve Scott, said the warehouse is a tangible example of regional cooperation. “Australia is proud to support Palau’s efforts to strengthen its emergency preparedness. This warehouse will help ensure that Palau can respond quickly and effectively, with supplies already in place and ready to go in the hours before or immediately after a disaster – when supplies are most critical and can save lives.”
Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Office, Mr Dave Gawn, added, “New Zealand is committed to supporting Pacific-led solutions. The warehouse will give Palau the ability to act swiftly in times of crisis, and New Zealand, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is pleased to be a funder of a program that puts national leadership and community resilience at the centre.”
Media Contacts:
- Oyaol Ngirairikl, Director Communications Office, Office of the President, Republic of Palau | [email protected] Tel: +680 488 4410
- Erica Lee, Communications Adviser, Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Pacific Community (SPC), Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division | [email protected], Tel: +679 9214638
- For general media enquiries, please contact [email protected]
About the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program:
The PHWP is a Pacific-led, multi-partner program supporting 15 participating countries to strengthen disaster preparedness and build resilience by enhancing sovereign capability to procure, store and manage essential supplies in preparation for, and in the event of, humanitarian emergencies and disasters. The Pacific Community (SPC) serves as the lead implementing partner, managing the Program Management Office working alongside the Infrastructure Specialist Unit to create fit-for-purpose warehousing solutions and supplies matched with requisite national capabilities across the region.
About Palau’s National Emergency Management Office:
The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) is responsible for coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts nationwide. Working under the guidance of the National Emergency Committee, NEMO supports agencies, delivers public education, and ensures effective emergency management across all levels of government.
About SPC:
The Pacific Community has been supporting sustainable development in the Pacific, through science, knowledge and innovation since 1947. It is the principal intergovernmental organisation in the region, owned and governed by its 27 member countries and territories. www.spc.int
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