BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology (MECDM), David Hiba Hiriasia said as long there is a cancellation of the tropical cyclone warning, they will mobile response teams to affected communities.

He was responding to a question asked by Island Sun yesterday on when they will send teams to carry out assessment in affected communities that have felt the impact of Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Hiriasia said the main issue they are looking at is the situation of the weather.

“As long as there is a cancellation of tropical cyclone warning, then we will mobilise response teams and the plan is to do that as soon as possible.

“The weather situation still restricts the movement to the affected areas,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary also said that in terms of response, it will not only be from the national level.

“Our first responders will be from the Provincial Emergency Operations Centers,” he said.

Hiriasia said all emergency operations centres have been activated last week, emphasising that for them to mobilise teams to do assessments and initial relief would very much depend on the cancellation of the cyclone warning.

Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Mr Jonathan Tafiariki also responded to the question, pointing out that the safety of their responders is currently their priority.

Tafiariki pointed out that this is so that when they mobilise, they are assured of the safety of their responders, partners and agencies that will be participating and getting involved in response efforts.

“Safety is our priority and we heavily, entirely depend on the advice of the National Meteorological service to provide that guidance,” he added.

Tafiariki said the National Emergency Operation Centre and the Provincial Emergency Operation Centre are monitoring the situation and they will be the ones providing advice to all their partners through the National Disaster Council’s arrangements.

Island Sun also asked if they would only be focusing on Western Province in terms of the assessment or also include other provinces such as Choiseul, Isabel and Western parts of Guadalcanal.

PS for MECDM, Hiriasia replying to the question, said this will be looked into as per the process of government is to ensure that the initial situation overview is carried out to determine the scale, scope of impacts that will then be put to the councils and the councils will make the decisions on those areas based on the assessments provided by the national disaster operations committee.

He also reiterated that all emergency operation centres have been activated.

“All emergency operation centres have been activated that includes Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Guadalcanal.

“All emergency operation centres in the country have been activated and have been gathering information from communities, people and have been feeding the national emergency operations centre with information to do planning for early response,” he said.

Director of NDMO, Tafiariki in his response to this question said they already have an estimate of the scale of impact.

“We have initial knowledge of which province is mostly affected.

“As we are aware, mostly Western, Choiseul, Isabel and other parts of Guadalcanal and Central Province. So, we have an idea of the extent of the impact.

“I think the initial assessment is to verify reports that we already have,” he said.

Both Mr Hiriasia and Mr Tafiariki prior to answering these questions were present during Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s press conference yesterday.

The Prime Minister announced that government has activated national disaster response arrangements under the National Disaster Management Plan 2018 and Cabinet earlier yesterday approved an initial allocation of SBD 10 million dollars that will go towards emergency relief efforts and supplies.

Photo credit: Loretta B Manele

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Cabinet approves funds for emergency relief and supplies following tropical cyclone: PM Manele

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Cabinet has approved an initial allocation of $10 million as the Government’s commitment to meet emergency relief efforts and supplies for communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele made the announcement during his press conference yesterday.

Speaking to media, he said responsible implementing ministries are now tasked to work with the National Disaster Council to deliver Cabinet’s decision.

Mr Manele said the government has activated the national disaster response arrangements under the National Disaster Management Plan 2018 to ensure that all response efforts are coordinated, timely, and focused on the needs of our people.

“The National Disaster Management Office, working through Provincial Emergency Operations Centres, has already received initial reports of significant impacts to homes, schools, health facilities, transport infrastructure, and the livelihoods of our people in Western, Choiseul, Isabel, and other affected areas,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the government’s immediate priorities focus on emergency humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the provision of emergency food supplies, clean and safe drinking water, Non-Food Items (NFIs) such as emergency shelter kits, family kits and hygiene kits.

He also said that restoring critical infrastructure and services remains essential to ensure assistance reaches affected communities quickly and reduces further humanitarian risks and disease outbreaks.

“Detailed assessments will begin once conditions are safe, to determine the full extent of damage and priority needs.

“The Government is already prioritising the implementation of a national response plan focused on immediate relief and humanitarian assistance. This will be delivered through the stakeholders, partners, and committees under the National Disaster Council Arrangements,” he said.

He also commended efforts already made by some constituency offices and community leaders who have begun mobilising support for their affected communities.

The Prime Minister calls on both national and provincial government authorities to work closely with the National Disaster Council.

“At this time, I call on all national and provincial government authorities to work closely with the National Disaster Council through the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Arrangements. This includes the National and Provincial Disaster Operations Committees (N-DOC and P-DOCs), to ensure that our response to TC Maila is targeted and well-coordinated.

“Strong collaboration across sectors will be critical for effective logistics, information management, and the timely delivery of assistance to those most in need,” he said.

He also acknowledged Solomon Islands development partners, humanitarian organisations, churches, civil society groups and the private sector.

“Your continued cooperation and support are critical in ensuring that assistance reaches those most affected. The Government welcomes your collaboration as we coordinate national relief and recovery efforts,” he said.

The Prime Minister also made a call for safety, urging the public, particularly those in affected and high-risk areas to remain vigilant and to follow the advice and instructions issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS), the National Disaster Management Office, and their respective provincial authorities.

“Please avoid unnecessary travel by sea or road during this period of severe weather. Our fishermen, small boat operators, and all maritime vessels are strongly advised to remain in safe harbour until conditions improve.

“Communities living along low-lying coastal areas are advised to remain alert to the risk of storm surges and flooding and to move to higher ground where necessary.

“I also encourage communities to continue supporting one another during this difficult time. Check on your neighbours, assist the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities, and ensure that vulnerable members of our communities are kept safe and supported,” he said.

He also calls on Solomon Islanders to show the same strength they have always shown in the face of natural disasters.

“My fellow citizens, Solomon Islanders have always demonstrated resilience and solidarity in the face of natural disasters. Time and again, our people have shown strength, compassion, and unity during times of hardship. This situation calls for that same spirit of national unity. We have always stood together in times of hardship and together we will rebuild our communities and lives.

“Let us remain calm, stay informed through official channels, and continue to support one another as one nation and one people,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Member of Parliament for East Makira constituency, Franklyn Wasi, has expressed his gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its ongoing support through the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) in his constituency.

The latest contribution comes in the form of Outboard Motor (OBM) boats. Of the targeted 30 boats, 24 have already been successfully delivered.

In a recent social media post, MP Wasi thanked China for its continued partnership with East Makira.

“To date, 24 boats have been successfully completed, with six more to go to reach our total target of 30.

“This steady progress demonstrates the effectiveness of our partnership and the tangible impact of this program on our communities,” he wrote.

He also confirmed that 30 engines were procured and collected from Y-Sato in February this year, ensuring that all necessary equipment is in place for the full completion of the project.

MP Wasi highlighted that this initiative reflects the constituency’s strong commitment to supporting rural communities.

“This progress reflects our shared commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods, improving transportation access, and expanding economic opportunities for the people of East Makira.

“We deeply value this partnership and look forward to the successful completion of the program and its lasting benefits for our communities,” he said.

The constituency office will soon advise on arrangements for transporting the boats and other items to the constituency.

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