BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management (MECDM) Trevor Manemahaga on Friday evening, 10 April declared Western and Choiseul Provinces to be in a state of disaster.
In his address on that evening, he said over the past days Tropical Cyclone Maila has brought severe weather conditions across Solomon Islands, with the inclusion of strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and rough seas.
“These conditions have significantly impacted several provinces, particularly Western Province and Choiseul Province, with reports indicating damage to homes, food gardens, community infrastructure and disruption to essential services,” said Manemahaga.
He said in accordance with the National Disaster Council Act 1989, the Initial Situational Overview Report (ISO) serves as the prerequisite assessment required to determine whether conditions meet the threshold for the declaration of a State of Disaster.
The Minister said the ISO, compiled through reports and assessments coordinated by the National Disaster Management Office and endorsed by the National Disaster Council, was formally presented to him for consideration.
And after having carefully reviewed the Initial Situational Overview Report and from the advice of the National Disaster Council, he was satisfied that the impacts experienced in Western Province and Choiseul Province meet the criteria required under Section 12 of the National Disaster Council Act 1989.
“Under the provisions of Section 12(1) of the Act, the Minister may, on the advice of the National Disaster Council, declare the whole or any part of Solomon Islands to be in a State of Disaster if satisfied that such conditions exist.
“Accordingly, I have signed the Order declaring Western Province and Choiseul Province to be in a State of Disaster,” he said.
Manemahaga said this declaration has been made to enable the Government to mobilise the necessary national resources and support mechanisms to respond to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila.
He said that with this declaration, the national disaster management arrangements under the National Disaster Management Plan 2018 are hereby activated, and these arrangements will take the lead in coordinating and delivering the national response to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila in the declared areas.
Manemahaga also acknowledged that parts of Isabel Central, and Guadalcanal Provinces have also experienced impacts from Tropical Cyclone Maila.
“While these areas are currently categorised as non-declared disaster areas, they will continue to be included within the national response arrangements, and further assessments will be conducted to determine the extent of damages and the support required,” he said.
Manemahaga also called for a well-coordinated national response involving all relevant stakeholders.
He said this includes national government ministries and agencies, provincial governments and authorities, Solomon Islands bilateral and multilateral development partners and international and national humanitarian and partner organisations.
Manemahaga pointed out that working together in a coordinated manner will ensure that relief assistance, assessments and recovery support reach affected communities effectively and without delay.
He said the Government remains committed to supporting all affected communities and ensuring that the necessary assistance is delivered in a timely and coordinated manner.
The Minister encourages all citizens, especially those in affected areas, to remain vigilant, take heed official advisories, and to cooperate with response teams as they undertake assessments and deliver assistance.
“Let us continue to stand together during this time and support our communities as we respond to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila,” he said.
Photo: Supplied
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