BY JARED KOLI

VEHICLES turned boat-like after heavy rain pounded through the national capital Honiara yesterday afternoon and left much of the city under water.

A major stretch of Kukum Highway was submerged under water leaving as flood burst out from nearby drainage and waterways.

It drenched roads and footpaths leaving Kukum Highway underwater and slowing traffic down to a standstill.

The same occurred in other parts of the city including the main roads along the Mendana Avenue in Point Cruz.

The cause of the problem was somewhat blamed on the poor drainage system along most of affected areas.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) as of late yesterday evening, reports that an active trough lies over Solomon Islands.

It stated that a tropical low may develop in the Coral Sea, south of Rennell & Bellona.

SIMS has warned that heavy rain is expected to affect Solomon Islands.

Following heavy rain warning number-one issued at 7pm yesterday evening SIMS, The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued a Heavy Rain And Flooding What To Do Information enforced for all provinces.

People who live close to rivers, streams and low lying areas are therefore strongly advised to take precautionary measures because of flash flooding or flooding which may pose danger to lives and properties.

Motorists are also advised to use extreme caution when travelling on road. Do not attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth.

“This heavy rain will likely to cause flooding to creeks, streams, major rivers and drainages. People living in or close to these areas are strongly advised to seriously take safety actions.

“Village leaders and families must listen to your radio for emergency information – SIBC, FM,HF radio, and make sure your neighbours and vulnerable people have received this advice and move to safe location when it is required,” it says.

It says people living close to rivers and shorelines must take extra precaution measures.

“When evacuated take only essential Items like radio, mobile phones, torch, knife, food, water, important papers, important medicines

“Store drinking water in sealed bottles as water supply may be interrupted (eg Dirty or supply cut off), do not allow children to play in the rain and on flood raising water or drainage systems.”

Motorists are advised to take extra care when travelling in wet, slippery and flood areas

“Make sure you have your lights on and drive at less than 40km per hour speed, beware of water covered roads and bridges, and do not attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth.

Mariners are advised to be extra caution when planning or travelling out in the sea

“Avoid travelling at all if you can. When going out in the sea, always inform someone of where about you are going and your expected time of travel

“Take extra fuel, puddles, life-jackets, torch-light, spare batteries, water and some food when travelling,” it says.

The warning stated that heavy rain can cause flash flood, river flood or low lying areas and coastal flooding.

Prolong heavy rain can cause landslide and mudslides. Heavy rain can also create very low visibility and if it goes with strong winds then it can also cause rough seas reiterating that people are advised to take extra care.

The heavy rain and flooding what to do information is current until a cancellation of the Heavy Rain warning is issued by the SI Meteorological Services.

THE Government of Israel has offered to provide assistance to Solomon Islands in education and health.

This came about following a meeting between the Solomon Islands Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela and the Israeli Ambassador to the Pacific Island States, Tibor Shalev Schlosser, at the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet on Tuesday this week.

The Israeli Ambassador made the offer after the Prime Minister briefly informed him of some of the challenges faced across different sectors in the country.

Mr Schlosser in response said the Israeli Government stands willing to help provide fully funded scholarships to undergo training in Israel.

“Israel can provide training in the areas for medical doctors, agriculture, health and also women empowerment,” he said.

The Ambassador also offered to help in the areas of climate change and health whereby Israel can also send doctors to Solomon Islands to assist in our medical centres.

The Prime Minister has assured the Ambassador that Solomon Islands is willing to take up the opportunity.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Solomon Islanders especially when Israel is opening its doors to become a learning hub for Solomon Islanders,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has acknowledged the cordial relationship shared by Solomon Islands and Israel.

Prime Minister Houenipwela said he hopes to further strengthen the relationship and look at other opportunities where both countries can further enhance their bilateral relations.

“Solomon Islands has always been a supporter of Israel,” the Prime Minister said.

The Ambassador also took the opportunity to congratulate the Prime Minister on his election in November last year.

Ambassador Schlosser also presented a congratulatory letter from the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

–OPMC PRESS

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

WORK is progressing well in terms of planning when and where police will destroy the remaining blue boat.

Supervising Police Commissioner Juanita Matanga, responding to questions raised during the Police weekly media conference, reassures the remaining blue boat will be destroyed soon.

She said plans are in place and soon police will do the destruction at an appropriate venue.

Two of the blue boats were destroyed last year at the Central Islands Province and one still remains to which police had made an offer to help destroy.

These are the three Vietnamese ‘Blue Boats’ (fishing boats) that were arrested last year by police and Fisheries officers for illegal fishing within our exclusive economic zone (EEZ).