BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The National Disaster Council (NDC) has assured communities affected by the recent category 5 Tropical Cyclone Maila that assistance is on the way.
The relief supplies will be dispatched to affected areas in Western and Choiseul provinces, as well as other impacted communities across the country, as long as weather permits.
The assurance was made by NDC Chairman, who is also the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), David Hiriasia, who said efforts are underway to deliver support as quickly as possible.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday over the weekend, he said cabinet has recently approved an SBD $10 million funding for the response.
The funding will support the procurement of food relief supplies and cover operational costs for Provincial Emergency Operations Centres, enabling them to respond swiftly to the immediate needs of affected communities.
Hiriasia clarified that the SBD $10 million is an initial allocation for immediate relief, with additional support expected once damage assessments are completed.
He added that following the declaration of a state of disaster for Choiseul and Western provinces by the Minister for MECDM, Trevor Manemahaga, on Friday night, the NDC has assumed control of disaster response operations in the affected areas.
This action is in line with the Disaster Management Plan 2018, which outlines response arrangements for officially declared disaster areas.
The Chairman also acknowledged that other provinces, including Isabel, Central Islands, and Guadalcanal, have been impacted.
While response efforts will be extended to all affected areas, these provinces will remain non-declared unless the NDC determines that a formal declaration is necessary.
Hiriasia emphasised that the response is a whole-of-government effort and expressed appreciation to NGOs and development partners who have already begun supporting the government’s response to Tropical Cyclone Maila.
The chair said the NDC plans to deploy a team to Western province early this week to support the Provincial Disaster Operations Centre with manpower to distribute relief supplies.
He further stressed the need for accurate data to guide response efforts, identify priority areas, and coordinate support from development partners and individuals willing to assist.
Hiriasia reassured affected communities to remain patient as assistance is being mobilised.
Since the weekend, Tropical Cyclone Maila has been moving away from Solomon Islands waters and towards Papua New Guinea. However, people are urged to continue listening to weather updates and to take heed of weather warnings.
Photo credit: Loretta B Manele
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