NEOC issues ‘what to do’ information amid current strong wind and associated heavy rains

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued a number of safety measures the public is advised to take amidst the current strong wind updates.

In a press statement released yesterday morning, NEOC outlines a number of recommended safety actions people in provinces experiencing strong winds must adhere to.

NEOC released this following the Strong Wind Warning No 17 issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) on Monday morning.

The “Strong Wind What to Do Information” bulletin is current for waters of Rennell/Bellona, Makira, Temotu, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Central Provinces.

NEOC said such strong winds can cause rough seas and damage to buildings thus people are advised to take this “Strong Wind What to do Information” seriously.

Safety actions recommended for village leaders and families in the mentioned provinces are as follows;

1. Stay indoor as much as possible.
2. Make sure your neighbours and vulnerable people have received this advice.
3. Strengthen home buildings to withstand against strong winds.
4. Avoid going out to the sea for fishing, as the sea will be rough.
5. If you are outside during the strong wind, take cover next to a building or under a shelter.
6. Watch for flying debris. Tree branches may break and street signs may become loose during strong winds.
7. Beware of large waves, even from the shore as large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.
8. Be cautious overtaking high-sided vehicles.
9. If a line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle. Take care not to touch any of the metal frame of your vehicle.

Likewise, safety recommendations have also been given for boats and ships and are as follows;

1. Mariners are advised to be extra cautious when planning or traveling out at sea.
2. Avoid traveling at all during bad weather.
3. When going out in the sea, always inform someone of where you are going and your expected time of travel.
4. Take extra fuel, paddles, lifejackets, torch-light, spare batteries, water and some food when traveling.
5. Minimize the number of people if travelling.
6. People are advised to listen to SIBC and other FM radio stations for any latest update on the situation.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has repeatedly issued strong wind warnings in the past days.

This warning is still current for the waters of the mentioned provinces and the situation is that a general southeast trade wind flow persists over the Solomon Islands.

SIMS in it’s recent update “Strong Wind No17” on Monday morning stated that there is the expectation of southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots over waters of Rennell/Bellona, Makira, Temotu, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Central provinces.

Seas are also said to be moderate to rough with moderate swells of 2.5 to 3.0 meters.

Therefore, as SIMS noted, people in these areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.

People travelling at sea are also urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions hazardous to small boats.

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