BY LORETTA B MANELE
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the moment remains fully activated and continues to coordinate the national response to Tropical Cyclone Maila.
A press statement released yesterday said NEOC is actively receiving and analysing impact reports from provinces and the public to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.
On April 8, 2026, NEOC activated the UN Charter as means to gain a clear and consolidated view of the damage in the hardest-hit provinces.
As stated, this activation provides the government access to high-resolution satellite imagery, which is being used to prioritise impact assessments in Western, Choiseul, and Isabel Provinces.
Meanwhile, logistics teams are also working to pre-position essential relief supplies, which include shelter kits and non-food items, in Honiara and throughout the provinces.
The National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) has also been working towards efforts for response to TC Maila having met daily to finalise a Forward Response Plan.
“The plan outlines a coordinated, province-led approach to response operations, including Initial Situation Overviews (ISO), Initial Damage Assessments (IDA), and targeted emergency relief. Priority provinces include Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Guadalcanal, and Central Islands.
“Sector Committees are working closely with provincial authorities to develop detailed response plans aligned with this framework,” the statement said.
Responses from sectors across Government and partners are also being strengthened.
In the health sector, national and provincial emergency operations centres have been fully activated to ensure continuity of essential services and dissemination of critical health information.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has also activated operation centres in Western and Choiseul provinces to support safety and security.
“…while livelihood, education, and other sectors continue to coordinate with provincial counterparts to assess impacts and mobilise support,” the statement said.
There is also support from humanitarian partners including NGOs and the Solomon Islands Red Cross who have also activated emergency operations and are aligning their support with government-led efforts.
Also noted is that relief planning is underway of which partners are preparing to contribute resources, technical assistance and operational support to affected communities.
In regards to the kind of relief support that will be deployed, the statement said based on current assessments, priority humanitarian needs include emergency food and safe drinking water, shelter assistance, hygiene and kitchen kits, as well as support for health services, including mobile clinics and essential medical supplies.
Henceforth, continued coordinated support through all levels of Government, disaster partners and stakeholders under the National Disaster Management Arrangements remain essential to ensure effective and targeted response to Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Key Government ministries in support of the national response have also developed a joint Briefing Paper.
This is being led by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), the Ministry of Provincial Governance and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), and the Ministry responsible for Disaster Management (MECDM).
The briefing paper will be presented to Cabinet by the Chair of the National Disaster Council (NDC), the Permanent Secretary of MECDM, at Parliament for formal deliberation.
“Discussions will focus on securing and aligning financing arrangements to support the implementation of the Forward Response Plan.
“This coordinated approach reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring timely availability of financial resources to support response operations and the effective delivery of assistance to affected provinces and communities,” the statement said.
Further stated is that NDMO through the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) continues to work closely with all stakeholders to make sure that response to Tropical Cyclone Maila is coordinated, timely and effective whilst also prioritising the needs of those most affected and in vulnerable communities.
The statement said the public is encouraged to use the following toll-free operational lines for assistance.
-SIMS (933) for weather updates
-NEOC (955) for reporting impacts and emergencies
-MRCC (977) for maritime search and rescue
“These services are established to support timely information sharing and coordinated response efforts,” the statement said.
Photo: Supplied
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