Australia hands over drones to boost Solomon Islands’ Disaster Response

By Alfred Pagepitu

Australia has handed over four drones to strengthen Solomon Islands’ Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response capabilities.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles handed over the Parrot drones at the Aola Patrol Base in Honiara today.

Minister Marles said the equipment reflects the close partnership between the two countries.

“It is an enormous pleasure to be handing over these four drones, which will have the ability to assess damage in those critical first 48 hours.

“They demonstrate that in the most difficult and darkest of moments, both of our countries stand shoulder to shoulder with each other,” Marles said.

The donation forms part of Australia’s broader support to strengthen Solomon Islands’ disaster response capacity and national resilience.

Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Wayne Ghemu, welcomed the donation on behalf of the government.

“Today’s handover marks a significant step forward in strengthening our national disaster preparedness and response capabilities,” Minister Ghemu said.

The drones will significantly enhance the operational strength of the National Disaster Management Office.

“Their advanced aerial assessment abilities will allow our officers to quickly evaluate disaster impacts, support search and rescue operations and enable faster, better informed decision making,” he said.

Minister Ghemu added that the support reflects Australia’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Solomon Islands’ sovereign humanitarian response capacity, particularly within the critical first 48 hours of an emergency.

The Government expressed sincere gratitude to Australia for its continued partnership in building safer and more resilient communities.

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