BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Development Services Exchange (DSE), the coordinating body for NGOs in Solomon Islands, has been playing a critical role in the national response to Tropical Cyclone Maila, which recently impacted Western and Choiseul provinces, and other provinces in the country.
Through its member organisations, DSE began response efforts at the height of the cyclone and continues its work by gathering vital information to help assess and map the level of support needed in affected communities.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation at a recent press conference, General Secretary, Ms Jennifer Wate said DSE has been coordinating efforts among its member NGOs, including the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, as well as other international and local partner organisations.
She said that during the cyclone, the organisation also disseminated safety messages to communities with network access, providing critical advice to help ensure public safety.
Wate highlighted that particular attention has been given to vulnerable groups, especially people living with disabilities. The National Disability Forum of Solomon Islands has been actively contacting its members in Western and Choiseul provinces, as well as in Isabel and Guadalcanal, to assess their situation.
She said the data collected focuses primarily on the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila in the most affected provinces, while also capturing information from other areas to help determine the level of assistance required.
“What we are doing now is consolidating the immediate response data received from communities and compiling it for submission to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO),” Wate said.
She also noted the importance of collaboration with international and regional partners in supporting the response effort.
“We are working closely with our international and regional NGO partners through the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs,” she said.
Wate added that DSE is currently developing a comprehensive response plan. As many of its member NGOs are also part of various sectoral committees, they will continue to provide coordinated updates and information to support the overall national response to the cyclone.
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