BY LORETTA B MANELE
Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) issued a “Heavy Rain Warning Number 9” on Wednesday morning, January 14, 2026.
SIMS in its statement said this warning is current for most provinces and a trough lies over Solomon Islands, linked to a tropical low located west of Vanuatu.
Associated clouds and heavy rain with thunderstorms are also expected to affect most provinces.
SIMS said such localised heavy rain may lead to possible landslides and flash flooding over communities living near slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.
SIMS urges sea travellers to consider safety actions as such heavy rain can reduce visibility and strongly advises people to take safety measures to avoid danger and loss of lives.
The next update as said, was issued at 7pm, yesterday.
SIMS said this information is to be shared with people with disabilities.
Following SIMS Heavy Rain Warning Number 9, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) issued a “Heavy Rain and Flood What to Do Information” bulletin yesterday and it is current for most provinces.
NEOC said such heavy rain is likely to cause flooding to creeks, streams, major rivers, drainages, coastal flooding, landslide and mudslides.
“Heavy rain can also create very low visibility. Therefore, people are advised to take this Heavy Rain and Flood What to Do Information seriously,” said NEOC.
The recommended safety actions issued by NEOC are as follows;
For village leaders and families
– Listen to your radio for emergency information – SIBC, FM, HF radio
– Inform your neighbours and vulnerable people about the current heavy rain situation.
– If flood risk increases, activate your response plan and move to a safe area/location.
For people living close to rivers and shorelines area under the threat of flooding
– Keep together important items like radio, mobile phones, torch, knife, food, water, important papers, and important medicines ready to take with you to safe area if REQUIRED evacuation.
– Store drinking water in sealed bottles as water supply may be interrupted (e.g. dirty or supply cut off).
– Do not allow children to play in the rain and on flood rising water or drainage areas.
– If flood risk increases, activate your individual response plan and move to a safe area.
-Listen out to radio for more information to keep you updated.
For motorists
– Take extra care when travelling on wet, slippery and flood roads.
– Beware of water covered roads and bridges.
– Make sure you have your lights on and drive at less than 40km per hour speed.
– Double the distance you leave between your car and the car in front of you as stopping distance are increased by wet roads.
-Do not attempt to cross flowing rivers and large streams of unknown depth.
For boats and ships
– Mariners are advice 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.
NEOC said this “Heavy Rain and Flood What to Do Information” is current until a cancellation advice is issued by SIMS.
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