Safety in Solomon Islands

Safety planning in Solomon Islands covers two connected areas: preparing for disasters and reducing exposure to crime. The main natural hazards include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, tropical cyclones, floods, landslides, drought and coastal erosion. Tropical cyclones occur about once or twice a year, mainly from November to April. Government agencies, provinces, wards and villages work together to distribute warnings, organize evacuation, provide relief and support recovery. Crime risks include theft, assault, robbery, break-ins, family violence, sexual assault, drug and liquor offences, fraud and arson. Honiara generally has higher everyday crime risks than the national average, particularly after dark, in isolated places, during political unrest and around public holidays. A safety plan should therefore cover secure travel and property, reliable emergency information, a way to leave dangerous areas and access to police or support services. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force provides reporting and law-enforcement pathways. Community-based services can provide prevention and support for people affected by violence or other crime. The nationally identified offence table currently available for reference covers reports from 2019 and was published in 2020, so it cannot establish a current national trend or prevalence rate. Local conditions can change quickly during a disaster, public disturbance or severe weather, making current warnings and advice from the responsible authorities more useful than relying only on historical crime figures.