Disasters in Solomon Islands

Disaster risk management in Solomon Islands covers prevention, preparedness, warning, immediate response, evacuation and recovery for hazards that can seriously affect people, livelihoods, the environment or critical infrastructure. Risk is increased by the country's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire and cyclone belt, its many dispersed islands, and fragile transport, water, electricity, communications, health and education infrastructure. Around 85% of people depend on subsistence activities, so damage to gardens, fisheries, roads, boats or local markets can quickly affect food and income. The National Disaster Council provides national direction under the National Disaster Council Act 1989. The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), supports the Council's secretariat, national coordination and recovery assistance. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) coordinates national monitoring, logistics, rescue, relief and public information. Provincial Emergency Operations Centres and Provincial Disaster Committees lead frontline response in their provinces. Ward and Village Disaster Risk Committees support local planning and communication. The Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) issues weather and tsunami information, while SIBC and other radio channels help distribute warnings. The National Disaster Management Plan 2018 supports national, provincial and local plans, operating procedures, training, exercises, public awareness, early-warning systems and emergency coordination arrangements. Communities and authorities may prepare supplies and identify safe places, but no single nationwide database of shelters and evacuation routes has been verified. Local plans can therefore differ. Village leaders may use church bells, shells or drums to pass on warnings where telecommunications are limited. SIMS provides weather, strong-wind, heavy-rain and tsunami information through 933. NDMO and the NEOC provide disaster information, instructions and impact reporting through 955. Emergency coordination may move from Level 1 standby to Level 2 full activation. Police can be reached on 999, Fire and Rescue on 988, and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre on 977. During a warning, follow official instructions, avoid unsafe coastal and hillside areas, do not cross flooded rivers and do not travel by sea during dangerous conditions. If a building is unsafe, go to the nearest locally identified evacuation centre or other safe place. The National Disaster Operations Committee supports preparedness and response, while provincial structures manage immediate action on the ground. Relief can include drinking water, food, shelter, water and sanitation supplies, hygiene or kitchen kits, medical care, protection, livelihood support and repairs to critical infrastructure. Solomon Islands Red Cross, non-governmental organisations and community groups may assist within government coordination. Affected households should report damage and needs through 955, a Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, the police or local leaders. Assistance is assessed according to impacts, needs, available resources and access; a general individual payment or guaranteed benefit is not established by the available research. The Minister may declare a State of Disaster for all or part of Solomon Islands, with publication through broadcasts and the Gazette. The Act allows safety measures, directions, controls and requisition of private vehicles, boats or property, with reasonable compensation within a reasonable time. The available text states a possible fine of 500 dollars or up to three months' imprisonment for refusing an NDC order; the current local application of that text should be confirmed with the responsible authority before relying on it. Recovery may begin while relief continues. A Recovery Coordination Committee can support sector and provincial recovery plans and funding proposals for consideration by the National Disaster Council and Cabinet. The recovery framework aims, where conditions allow, to move toward a plan within six months after the transition from immediate response. The National Disaster Risk Financing Strategy 2024–2027 and arrangements involving the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the Climate Finance and Risk Unit and the National Disaster Risk Financing Steering Group support funding decisions. Recovery priorities include roads and bridges, ports and boats, water and sanitation, power, communications, clinics, schools, shelters, food gardens and fisheries. Providers of critical infrastructure are expected to maintain emergency coordination and continuity arrangements.