_{by Gina Maka’a}

Solomon Islands authorities are preparing the country ahead of the cyclone season, which runs from November to April.

The first activity will take place on 5 November 2024, and will feature what the National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO) dubbed “Eksasaes Aelan Weiv” (Exercise Island Wave [EAW]).

NDMO deputy director George Baragamu said the exercise will be done in collaboration with the annual regional tsunami exercise known as Pacific Wave 2024 (EAW24). 

Paragamu said EAW24 is a very important national tsunami exercise to the Solomon Islands Tsunami Early Warning, Dissemination, Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response landscape.

“The exercise will provide a unique platform that bridges tsunami early warning, warning dissemination, disaster and humanitarian responses utilizing the Pacific Regional Tsunami Exercise (PacWave) which can then be blended to the national tsunami exercise (Aelan Weiv),” he explained.

“This year 2024, the AW24 will focus on two key activities (1) testing the reach of early warning dissemination to key Government Ministries, (2) provide the avenue for Public-Private Institutions to test their respective tsunami response plans including that of individuals, families and communities.” 

Baragamu added the  exercise provides the opportunity for the Tsunami Service Provider to test the country tsunami warning system and arrangements, and  test new tsunami products 

“It also provides the opportunity for the Public and Private Sectors including schools, banks, hotels, individuals, families and communities to review existing tsunami preparedness arrangements and operational procedures to respond and recover from a destructive tsunami.

“It provides the opportunity to test internal and external communication systems, to engage with communities through public education activities, and to engage regionally in coordination and cooperation.”

Baragamu emphasised on the the importance of regular exercises stating they are important for maintaining staff readiness for Tsunami Service Providers but also the general population that are expose to the hazard in case of a real event. 

He highlighted that the  exercise targets all stakeholders and partners that are members to the various committees established in the National Disaster Management Plan 2018. 

Stakeholders are the Geological Survey Departments of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services and the National Disaster Management Office under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, and the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Cooperation under the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), and the Information Technology and Communication Unit (ICTSU) of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.

ENDS//