by Charley Piringi
In Koror, Palau
The Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Jonathan Tafiariki, has urged Solomon Islanders to take extra precautions as the country enters another cyclone season.
Mr. Tafiariki reminded the public to stay alert and follow official early warning systems issued through the national broadcaster SIBC and other verified channels.
Speaking to local journalists in Koror, Palau, Mr. Tafiariki said, “SIBC is our traditional early warning system partner, and now we’re also using social media to reach more people for the public good,” he said.
He said the NDMO will soon roll out a cell-broadcast early warning system, allowing alerts to be sent directly to mobile phones once new telecommunications towers are operational.
“The priority is to reach every person, right down to the last line within our communities,” he added.
Mr. Tafiariki also urged travellers to be cautious as the festive season approaches.
“We are heading into the Christmas season, and people travelling across our islands must take precautionary measures and always check the weather before going to sea,” he warned.
Mr. Tafiariki is part of the government delegation that attended the Pacific Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Ministers Meeting in Koror, Palau.
He said Pacific leaders have renewed their commitment to strengthening disaster and climate resilience through the Koror Declaration.
“The meeting reaffirmed the region’s collective efforts to ensure disaster messages and resilience strategies reach our most vulnerable communities,” he said.
The NDMO continues to conduct community awareness programs to help Solomon Islanders prepare and stay safe during disaster times.
Pacific leaders have endorsed the Koror Declaration, a renewed regional commitment to strengthen political leadership, solidarity, and collective action in building disaster and climate resilience across the Blue Pacific Continent.
