Honiara: Cabinet will urgently meet on Wednesday 8 April, to consider options for support and response measures for communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
The meeting, convened in addition to the regular weekly Cabinet sitting, will be informed by an initial joint paper submitted by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT).
Deliberations will also take into account the damage assessment by NDMO and the possible consideration of a state of disaster declaration by the Minister of Environment.
The Cabinet meeting follows a comprehensive briefing to Government Caucus on Tuesday on Tropical Cyclone Maila and its impacts on Western Province and surrounding areas.
The briefing was delivered by the Director of NDMO, Mr Jonathan Tafiariki; the Director of the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS), Dr Alick Haruhiru; and the Chairman of the National Disaster Council (NDC) and Permanent Secretary for MECDM, Mr David Hiba.
It provided the latest weather updates, initial impact assessments, and national response measures.
Caucus was informed that Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila, now at Category 4 intensity, remains active southwest of Western Province, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, rough seas, and coastal inundation across affected provinces.
Initial reports indicate damage to homes, schools, and key infrastructure in Western Province, Choiseul, and parts of Guadalcanal, with coastal communities experiencing the most significant impacts.
Food gardens have also been affected, raising concerns about food security.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) remains on Full Activation, coordinating national response efforts and receiving impact reports.
Provincial Emergency Operations Centres continue to lead monitoring and response at the provincial level, with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) activating operations centres in Choiseul and Western Provinces to support Provincial Disaster Committees and emergency response teams.
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele said, “Our thoughts are with all communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila, particularly in Choiseul and Western Provinces where impacts are most severe.”
Preparations are underway to support the delivery of emergency supplies, including shelter kits and other essential items, once access to affected areas improves.
It was emphasised that, in line with established disaster response arrangements, relief efforts will continue to be coordinated through responsible authorities, with constituency networks also mobilised to support the timely delivery of assistance to affected communities, once access to affected areas improves.
The Government continues to urge the public to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and report emergencies through the appropriate authorities.
– OPMC
