A VICTIM of the floods in Honiara last weekend could not get help from the National Disaster Council (NDC) and police after seeking help from these government agencies.
The flood victim, a woman, who spoke to Solomon Star on the condition of anonymity evacuated her dwelling home at Burns creek behind the Dalgro Compound on Saturday when the flood waters gushed into her home.
She had to carry her belongings to her neighbour, a Chinese who lived upstairs in the same building for safekeeping.
She and her husband live downstairs, while other workers who are Chinese live upstairs.
The victim said on Saturday she phoned NDC and an officer told her that NDC could not support her because they were just coordinating disaster relief work.
“We can’t help you. We just coordinate disaster work.”
Still desperate for help, she phoned the police yesterday morning and the officer on duty told her to go and live with her relatives in town.
The victim said she told the officer that she could not live with her relatives because their homes could not cater for extra families.
She said upon hearing her response, the officer promised to call her back to give her information on possible help but never called back.
“The services of the NDC and police are unreliable during disasters,” the flood victim said.
In times of disaster, people depend on NDC and police for immediate information and help because they are responsible to support victims during disasters.
Honiara and other parts of Guadalcanal are experiencing floods and landslides due to continuing heavy downpour.
Some people have to evacuate their homes and live with their relatives and friends.
Solomon Star understands that after this bad weather, many people will go hungry because gardens and farms have been destroyed by floods.
By LACHLAN EDDIE HOE
Solomon Star, Honiara
