After Three Weeks of Waiting after Cyclone Maila
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Relief food supplies has finally arrived for the Koriovuku community in North Ranonggah Island, Western Province, after nearly three weeks of waiting for assistance from the Western Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC).
A mini vessel, Nikita, delivered essential food supplies to the village at around midday on Saturday, bringing much-needed support to families affected by recent hardships.
Community members gathered at the wharf to witness the unloading of supplies, with visible expressions of relief and joy after the prolonged delay.
A total of 295 bags of rice were distributed amongst the villagers.
Men, women, and children turned out in numbers as the shipment was offloaded.
Village Chairman Mr. Rocky Rilifia led the distribution process, ensuring that the supplies were fairly allocated to households.
Elderly residents, including men and women in their 60s, were also present during the distribution, highlighting the widespread impact the delay had on all age groups within the village.
The arrival of the relief supplies marks a significant moment for the community, easing food shortages and restoring hope among residents who had endured weeks of uncertainty.
According to media freelancer Chris Podokolo from Koriovuku, villagers have relied on bush food for nearly three weeks as they struggled to cope with food shortages.
He told Solomon Star that many food gardens were destroyed, leaving residents with limited options for survival.
As a result, villagers resorted to cutting down sago palm trees to extract starch as an alternative food source.
“With the arrival of the food relief, villagers will now be able to eat properly,” he said.
Mr Podokolo added that the local disaster committee is working to ensure that relief supplies are distributed fairly so that every household receives its share.
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