BY CHRIS ALEX
Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS), in partnership with World Vision Solomon Islands and other key stakeholders, has intensified its community outreach and preparedness initiatives under the Disaster Ready Programme.
Over the past week, SIMS conducted a series of information-sharing and early warning awareness sessions across eight communities in Makira Province, supported by the Makira World Vision/AHP Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project. The targeted communities include:
-Mwanibena (Makira Mainland, Ward 10)
-Tawangisi, Tawapuna, and Masidonia (Ward 9)
-Manipua and Hunuta (Ugi Island)
-Tawaroga (Star Harbour)
-Nafinuatogo (Santa Anna)
These community forums aim to strengthen local resilience by improving understanding and readiness for potential weather-related hazards, especially tropical cyclones.
Officers from the Meteorological Service led the sessions, which covered a wide range of topics crucial for disaster preparedness such as;
-The role and structure of Early Warning Systems (EWS)
-Warning types and alert levels for various weather hazards
-Impact-based forecasting and color-coded warnings
-How to interpret tropical cyclone tracking maps
-Use of the flag-based Early Warning System for small crafts and boats
-Integrating traditional weather and climate knowledge
-Information on tsunami warnings
-Use of modern communication methods, including the Cell Broadcast System, to disseminate urgent alerts
“This initiative is vital in ensuring communities are well-prepared and can act early to reduce disaster risks.
“The feedback and participation from these communities have been encouraging, and it demonstrates a growing awareness and proactive attitude toward disaster risk management,” said SIMS.
As climate-related events become increasingly frequent and severe, these community-led efforts play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and livelihoods across the Solomon Islands.
The outreach forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to enhance local disaster preparedness, reduce vulnerability, and build climate resilience ahead of what is expected to be another active cyclone season.
Photo : Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS)
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