Chief James Maona of Lilisiana urged responsible authorities in both the provincial and national level to build evacuation centers for people.
The call was made on Monday following the tsunami warning which left many in Auki township especially those in Lilisiana to flee to higher grounds and spent a night in the cold bushes.
Chief Maona said after they received the second warning Sunday night at around 11.40pm he had his people fled to higher grounds.
“The community has gone through series of simulation exercises from NDMO so when the alarm was raised we all flee to the higher grounds.
“But when it comes to shelter, it’s a problem. It’s really sad to hear kids crying to their mother in the dark and cold bushes without shelter. Unfortunately there’s no big rain on Sunday night, only few showers.
“Our people from Lilisiana and some from the Auki township did spend the night in the bushes.”
Because of that the chief suggested that there is a need for an evacuation centre where people can seek refuge because disaster can strike anytime.
“People must know exactly where to run so that there will be no unnecessary accidents happen.
“In disaster times, sometimes people died unnecessarily because they do not know where to take refuge.
“People get sick or lives lost because of severe exposure to the cold.”
He said evacuation centers should be prioritized.
“Evacuation centres should be the top priority leaders should consider.
“We build temporary evacuation centers every time during and after disaster strikes. Should we come to our senses and build an evacuation Centre that is ready at all times?
Lilisiana community is located at the forefront of the Auki township, it was one of the places in Malaita badly affected by climate Change and is prone to tsunami.
By CHARLEY PIRINGI
In Auki
