BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
The Western Provincial Disaster Committee (WPDC) has activated its El Niño Watch as it continues to coordinate response efforts for Cyclone Maila across the province.
Deputy Provincial Secretary, Collin Potakana, said the provincial disaster office is yet to receive any official reports on the impacts of El Niño in Western Province and authorities are closely monitoring the developing situation.
“At this stage, the provincial disaster office has not received any reports so far, but we are aware that this event is imminent,” Potakana said.
He explained that El Niño poses a nationwide threat and Western Province is expected to experience some of its effects in the coming months.
Potakana urges communities throughout the province to begin preparing now and to make use of traditional knowledge and practices to reduce the potential impacts of the climate phenomenon.
He said El Niño is likely to bring an extended dry season, which could result in water shortages and negatively affect food production.
“Just to remind our communities, it is equally important to prepare for the extended dry season. Proactive action is paramount,” he said.
Potakana calls on communities to take precautionary measures to avoid being caught unprepared should conditions worsen.
He assured residents that the Western Province Disaster Office will continue to closely monitor the situation and respond accordingly as more information becomes available.
The activation of the El Niño Watch comes at a time when disaster authorities are already responding to the impacts of Cyclone Maila, highlighting the need for communities to remain vigilant and prepared for multiple hazards.
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