Australia and Solomon Islands are partnering to better understand and prepare for the earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, which are likely to increase in frequency due to climate change.
Expert scientists from Geoscience Australia recently undertook a visit to Honiara to discuss with local scientists improving critical alert and early warning systems for earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis.
The faster earthquake data is analysed, the faster communities can receive a warning and move to safety.
Sharing knowledge and expertise on hazard mapping will make it easier for the Solomon Islands Government to prepare for earthquakes and keep communities safe.
It is also part of climate change preparedness, as the changing climate can influence hazards beneath the earth’s surface.
a tour of Geological Survey Division’s seismic monitoring station.
Geoscience Australia met with the Geological Survey Division at the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) and other government agencies responsible for natural hazards, including the National Disaster Management Office.
A visit highlight was undertaking a site visit to the seismic monitoring station at Visale which tracks the nearby volcano on Savo Island.
Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton thanked Solomon Islands Government officials for sharing their work with Geoscience Australia.
“It’s important for our two countries to stori stori – scientist to scientist. Australia is focused on making sure our support best meets the needs of Solomon Islanders and their priorities – including on climate change,” Hilton said.
“We’re looking forward to further cooperation to improve critical geo-hazards monitoring and analysis capabilities,” added.
monitoring at Geological Survey Division.
Director of the Geological Survey Division, Clinton Roga said “a future partnership with Geoscience Australia would be an opportunity for training for local geoscientists, and sharing of best practices in hazard mapping, monitoring and risk reduction.”
Geoscience Australia is an Australian Government agency responsible for providing trusted information on earth sciences to improve government, industry and community decision-making.