Assessment teams deployed across Western Province to guide recovery efforts

By Alfred Pagepitu

Assessment teams are now being deployed across Western Province to determine the extent of damage and guide ongoing recovery efforts.

Chair of the Western Province Disaster Committee, Colin Potakana, confirmed this to SIBC News, saying teams began deployment over the weekend and are continuing to roll out across affected islands.

“This assessment is very important because it helps us understand what is actually happening on the ground and supports our recovery planning,” Mr Potakana said.

He said multiple teams have already been dispatched, including to Simbo, while others are currently travelling to Ranonga and Vella Lavella.

Further deployments are planned, with teams expected to reach Shortland and Rendova, as well as surrounding islands near Gizo in the coming days.

Mr Potakana said the ongoing assessments will play a key role in identifying the needs of affected communities and ensuring recovery efforts are properly targeted.

“We will continue to mobilise assessment teams over the next few days to cover all affected areas,” he said.

He is also calling on communities to cooperate with assessment teams as they carry out their work.

“We ask community leaders and residents to work closely with our teams so we can properly assess the damage and respond effectively,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Potakana said authorities are working closely with partner organisations and non-government organisations to support the distribution of non-food items.

However, he noted that there is still a high demand for these supplies, with current stock levels limited.

He added that efforts are ongoing in coordination with national authorities, including the National Disaster Management Office, to secure additional support for affected communities.

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