Prime Minister Manele Commits $10M To National Relief Effort As Whole-of-Government Response Activates For TC Maila

In a comprehensive national address delivered this afternoon, Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele announced that the Solomon Islands Government has committed an initial $10 million to support emergency response efforts following the devastating impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila.

The funding commitment and the activation of a “whole-of-government” response come as the system continues to pose life-threatening risks to the nation, even as it begins a slow drift away from the archipelago.

Immediate Humanitarian Funding and Damage Assessment

Prime Minister Manele confirmed that the Cabinet has approved the immediate allocation of funds to support humanitarian relief for the hardest-hit areas. The priorities for this $10 million package include:

• Emergency food supplies and safe drinking water.

• Essential non-food items, specifically shelter and hygiene kits.

• Restoration of critical infrastructure and essential services.

“Initial reports indicate significant damage to homes, schools, health facilities, transport infrastructure, and livelihoods, particularly in Western, Choiseul, and Isabel Provinces,” the Prime Minister stated.

Further technical assessments will be launched once weather conditions stabilize to determine the full extent of the destruction and priority recovery needs.

Coordinated Disaster Management Framework

The national response is being executed under the National Disaster Management Plan 2018 to ensure that all relief efforts are “aligned, targeted, and focused on the needs of affected communities”.

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is now working in lockstep with Provincial Emergency Operations Centres and National and Provincial Disaster Operations Committees. The Prime Minister issued a direct call to all government agencies, provincial authorities, and constituency leaders to work strictly through these established coordination mechanisms to ensure a unified response.

Additionally, the Prime Minister acknowledged the vital roles played by development partners, humanitarian organizations, churches, and the private sector, calling for continued collaboration to ensure assistance reaches “last-mile” communities.

A Call for Public Vigilance and Unity

Despite the storm’s movement, Prime Minister Manele warned the public against complacency. “While the system is beginning to move away, it remains dangerous, particularly for Western, Choiseul, and Isabel Provinces,” he cautioned.

The Government’s Safety Directives remain in effect:

• Travel: A strong advisory against unnecessary travel by sea or road.

• Maritime Safety: Fishermen and small vessel operators are ordered to remain in safe harbor.

• Evacuation: Communities in low-lying coastal areas must remain alert to storm surges and move to higher ground immediately if necessary.

The Prime Minister concluded his address with a call for communal support, specifically urging citizens to look after vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities.

“Solomon Islanders have always demonstrated resilience and unity during times of hardship. This is a time for us to stand together and support one another.” — Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele

[ENDS]