National Government begins deployment of emergency relief supplies to cyclone-devastated areas
The National Government, through the National Disaster Council (NDC), begins deploying emergency relief supplies to the devastated areas in Western and Choiseul Provinces following the recent tropical cyclone Maila.
The supplies include critical medicine, food rations, water, temporary shelter kits and non-food items.
Loading of the emergency supplies is underway in Honiara on board MV Kikori and the RSIPF Guardian Patrol boat Gizo.
Chair of the National Disaster Council David Hiba Hiriasia said the deployment of these critical emergency relief supplies followed the declaration on Friday of Western and Choiseul provinces as disaster zones by the Minister of Environment, Conservation, Climate Change and Meteorology, Hon. Trevor Manemahaga.
Coordination of emergency relief supplies is being conducted by the National Operations Emergency Centre (NEOC) in Honiara with partners.
Western and Choiseul provinces were hard-hit by last week’s Category 4 tropical cyclone Maila. Other affected areas to be covered by the disaster response include Isabel, the Central Islands and Guadalcanal Provinces.
Assessments to determine the cost of damages are ongoing in the affected areas.
Last week, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele announced an SBD10 million emergency assistance to the affected regions.
This coordinated approach reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring the timely availability of financial resources to support response operations and the effective delivery of assistance to affected provinces and communities.
The NDMO, through the NEOC, continues to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure a coordinated, timely, and effective response to Tropical Cyclone Maila, prioritising the needs of affected and vulnerable communities.
The Government, through the NEOC, is also setting up toll-free telephone numbers for assistance. The numbers are (933) for the Solomon Islands Met Services, (955) for NEOC to report impacts and emergencies, and (977) for Maritime Search and Rescue Services.
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GCU statement