BY ALICE T CAMPBELL
The National Disaster Council (NDC), through the National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) and Provincial Disaster Committees, continues to coordinate disaster response efforts following Tropical Cyclone Maila’s impact in Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Central and Guadalcanal provinces.
In Western Province, the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) in Gizo is leading assessments and early recovery actions, working closely with national teams to prioritise needs and support affected communities, a statement from the NDC said.
Health teams have recorded 195 patient encounters across four surveillance sites. Malaria, prolonged fever, and acute diarrhoea are the most common illnesses, with rising cases among children under five.
Damage to health facilities and cold chain systems, combined with food shortages, raise concerns about child malnutrition.
Education services have also been disrupted. A total of 84 schools across Western, Choiseul and Guadalcanal have been affected, with 16 suffering major damage.
In Western Province, 21 schools are impacted, 10 severely.
NDC also said that two schools remain occupied as displacement camps, delaying reopening. Schools are categorised into Green, Yellow and Red zones depending on their operational status.
Infrastructure damage is widespread, with homes destroyed or damaged in coastal areas west of Gizo Town.
Protection concerns have been raised for women vendors and children. Displaced families, mainly women and children, are sheltering at the Gizo Resource Centre where water, food and supplies remain inadequate.
No gender-based violence cases have been formally reported, though monitoring is limited, the statement said.
Temporary shelters are operating at three schools, while evacuation centres have been established at Maneaba Community Hall, Noro Community High School, and Telina SDA Primary School.
N-DOC Chairman Jonathan Tafiariki praised the efforts of provincial teams and sector agencies, urging continued daily updates to guide coordinated response and recovery.
The PEOC remains the central hub for provincial response, working with national authorities to address resource gaps and support affected communities.
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