BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Jonathan Tafiariki, is urging communities across the country experiencing water issues due to the current El Niño-induced drought to report their situation through provincial and national reporting channels.
Speaking at a media conference recently, Mr Tafiariki said government services are present in all provinces and can assist communities affected by water shortages.
He said that water-related concerns can be reported to provincial environmental health divisions, formerly known as the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) program, which can assess the situation and identify appropriate solutions.
“People in the provinces can contact the relevant authorities regarding any water issues they are facing so that appropriate action can be taken,” Tafiariki said.
He added that provincial police, health authorities and provincial disaster offices are also available to receive reports and assist affected communities.
“People can use these provincial channels to report any issues they are facing,” he said.
Tafiariki said several toll-free emergency numbers are available to the public at the national level.
“The disaster hotline is 955, the Meteorological Service can be reached on 933, Health Services on 115, and Police on 999,” he said.
He assured the rural communities that reports made through any of these channels will be relayed to the NDMO.
“Under the drought response arrangements, all reports will eventually reach the NDMO. We continue to work together under the drought plan framework to coordinate responses,” he said.
Tafiariki explained that information received through various agencies is shared with the NDMO and referred to the National Emergency Operations Centre for assessment and action.
“The National Emergency Operations Centre will then work with the relevant mandated agencies to undertake the actions required to address the situation that has arisen,” he said.
The NDMO continues to monitor drought conditions across the country and is encouraging communities affected to report their circumstances promptly so assistance can be coordinated where needed.
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