Henderson Police Station and Tetere Catholic Station Provide Shelter for Displaced Residents
In response to flooding in Guadalcanal Province, 105 evacuees from Tenaru sought refuge at the Henderson Police station, while 46 individuals from Roroni, Rarata, and Talaura have evacuated to Tetere Catholic station on the Guadalcanal Plains. The rising floodwaters have submerged homes, including crucial food gardens, raising concerns about potential food shortages in the coming days and weeks.
The Guadalcanal Provincial Emergency Operation Centre (GPEOC) is now on full activation, closely monitoring the situation and collecting information on the impacts of the heavy rain and flooding within the province. Mr. James Tiva, the Provincial Disaster Officer (PDO) for Guadalcanal Province, confirmed the activation of the Emergency Operation Centre.
Mr. Rodney Kuma, the Provincial Police Commander and Chair of the Provincial Disaster Operations Committee (PDOC) for Guadalcanal Province, emphasized the need for immediate intervention by relevant authorities to ensure the safety of internally displaced people in their respective locations. He urged residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant, watch for floodwaters, and evacuate safely if necessary.
The Guadalcanal Provincial Emergency Operation Centre encourages the public to report the impacts of the current floods by contacting them at 7405712 or 955. Additionally, the National Emergency Operation Centre can be reached for assistance. However, it’s emphasized that the toll-free number 955 should only be used for reporting information to the NEOC, while weather updates can be obtained by contacting 933. The public is urged not to abuse these emergency numbers, ensuring that they remain accessible for those in need.
Call for voluntary evacuation
At the same time, the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued a strong advisory for residents in low-lying areas to evacuate promptly due to the persistent trough over the Solomon Islands and its connection to a low-pressure system northeast of Malaita. Continued heavy rainfall is anticipated, heightening the risk of further flooding and severe impacts on lives and properties in vulnerable areas. NECO says Voluntary evacuation is strongly encouraged for those in the most vulnerable regions.
For those facing evacuation, the NEOC recommends moving during daylight hours and bringing essential items for survival in safe areas, including food, drinking water, clothing, blankets, matches, lights (solar/kerosene), and firewood. Individuals encountering challenges with evacuation are urged to contact their nearest police station or call emergency numbers 955/999.
The National Emergency Operation Center is ready to support Provincial Emergency Operation Centers, including that of Guadalcanal Province. Residents are urged to report impacts to their respective Provincial Emergency Operation Center and Police station. Weather information can be obtained by calling 933, while marine search and rescue can be contacted at 977, and impacts can be reported at 955.
