BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Western Provincial Emergency Operation Centre (PEOC) has deployed Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) teams to communities severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Maila, as authorities intensify efforts to evaluate the extent of destruction across the province.
Chairperson of the Provincial Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, said two IDA teams have already been deployed to Simbo, while another two teams are currently on Ranogga Island conducting assessments.
He said the IDA team assigned for Vella La Vella was briefed yesterday afternoon and is expected to travel to the island either yesterday or today.
“IDA team for Shortland Islands will be deployed when the patrol boat arrives back in Gizo later this week.
“IDA team to Rendova will be deployed on Wednesday,” Potakana said.
He said the IDA process is part of the National Disaster Response Plan and it aims to identify damage to homes, infrastructure, and other essential services.
“In fact, this assessment should be done soon after the cyclone, but due to weather conditions and logistical challenges it has been delayed,” Potakana said.
He strongly encourages community leaders in affected areas to cooperate closely with the assessment teams and provide accurate and relevant information during the exercise.
Potakana emphasised that the IDA is a critical step towards recovery.
“This assessment is very important as it will help formulate the recovery plan.
“Recovery is the next phase and it will be a huge task. We cannot implement recovery if we do not have a proper plan,” he said.
Potakana said all IDA reports are expected to be submitted back to the PEOC by the end of next week.
He acknowledged the National Emergency Response Team who is currently on the ground supporting the PEOC with coordination and logistics.
“A number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also assisting with the distribution of non-food items, food supplies, and ongoing assessments.
“I call on NGOs to continue supporting the PEOC, particularly in coordinating logistics and food distributions,” Potakana said.
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