People told to stay in door
By CHARLES KADAMANA
The current bad weather is expected to continue in the coming days.
And weather forecasters yesterday warned the public to remain indoors and avoid travelling out at sea.
“Solomon Islands is now under cover of the current bad weather,” Brian Tom of the National Emergency Operation Centre said.
“This is due to the trough that lies over Makira Ulawa Province and had been linking to the Low pressure system Near Temotu Province,” he added.
“As a result of this situation, the National Disaster Management Office would like to inform our good citizen to take extra precaution during this bad weather and throughout the cyclone season.
“We encourage the public to listen out to the SIBC and other FM stations for further warnings and safety messages.”
A strong wind warning is also current for most waters across the country.
Those living in or close to these areas are strongly advised to seriously take the following safety action:
1. Villager leaders and families
· Village leaders and families must listen to your radio (SIBC, FM, HF Radio) for weather information
· Ensure that your neighbours and vulnerable people have received the needed advice
· Move to safe location when it is required
2. Those living in low lying areas
· If you are living close to rivers and shorelines you must take extra precautionary measures
· When evacuated take only essential Items like radio, mobile phones, torch, knife, food, water, important papers, important medicines
· Store drinking water in sealed bottles as water supply may be interrupted (eg. dirty or supply cut off)
· Do not allow children to play in the rain and on flood raising water or drainage systems
3. Motorists
· Take extra care when travelling on wet, slippery and flood roads
· Beware of water covered roads and bridges
· Make sure you have your lights on and drive at less than 40km per hour speed
· Double the distance you leave between your car and the car in front of you as stopping distance are increased by wet roads
· Do not attempt to cross flowing rivers and large streams of unknown depth
4. Boats and shipping
· Mariners are advised to be extra caution when planning or travelling out in the sea
· Avoid travelling at all if you can
· When going out in the sea , always inform someone of where about you are going and your expected time of travel
· Take extra fuel, puddles, life-jackets, torch-light, spare batteries, water and some food when travelling
5. Caution
Heavy rain can cause flash flood, river flood or low lying areas and coastal flooding. Prolong heavy rain can cause landslide and mudslides. Heavy rain can also create very low visibility and if it goes with strong winds then it can also cause rough seas. People are advised to take this what to do information seriously.
6. Urgent assistance
Please call 955 (NEOC) or 933 (SI Meteorology) or 999 (police) or 977 (Marine) or Your nearest Provincial Emergency Operation Centres or Your Nearest Police Station
