Solomon Islands Humanitarian Background
|
Disasters, Conflicts and Migration |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Natural Disasters |
Yes / No |
Comments / Details |
|
Drought |
No | - |
|
Earthquakes |
Yes | May 2007, magnitude 8.1 - 345km northwest of the Solomon Islands' |
|
Epidemics |
No | - |
|
Extreme Temperatures |
No | - |
|
Flooding |
Yes | Flooding in February of 2009 and 2010 affected approximately 60,000 people each time. |
|
Insect Infestation |
No | - |
|
Mudslides |
Yes | Associated with earthquakes – 2007 event |
|
Volcanic Eruptions |
Yes | In 1971 a volcano erupted on Savo island, affecting 6000 people |
|
High Waves / Surges |
Yes | May 2007, magnitude 8.1 - 345km northwest of the Solomon Islands resulting in a tsunami affecting approximately 36,588 people. Jan 2010, series of earthquakes measuring up to 7.2, which generated a tsunami that affected Rendova and Tetepare Islands. |
|
Wildfires |
No | - |
|
High Winds |
No | - |
|
Other Comments |
Climate change is projected to impact heavily on agriculture,
forestry and fisheries in the Pacific islands, leading to increased
food insecurity and malnutrition (FAO) |
|
|
Man-Made Issues |
||
|
Civil Strife |
No | - |
|
International Conflict |
No | - |
|
Internally Displaced Persons |
No | - |
|
Refugees Present |
No | - |
|
Landmines / UXO Present |
No | - |
|
Other Comments |
n/a |
For more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters:
Website of Emdat - Disaster Database
Calamities and Seasonal Affects
Seasonal Affects on Transport
There are few seasonal affects on transport in the Solomon Islands. Heavy rains during the cyclone season can cause issues with infrastructure such as bridges and roads.. Most goods are transported by boat so weather can effect the use of boats but this is possible all year round.
Seasonal Affects on Storage and Handling (economic, social, climate…)
There are few seasonal affects on handling and storage in the Solomon Islands. The high temperatures and humidity mean that perisable goods have a short shelf life, so contingencies of food stuffs like rice and flour are not stored for long periods of time by store owners or humanitarian agencies.
Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response
Government
The National Disaster Council has the primary responsibility for
disaster risk management in the Solomon Islands. Established by the
National Disaster Council Act (1989) and National Disaster Risk
Management Plan (2010), it is supported by the National Disaster
Management Office (NDMO) under the Ministry of Environment, Climate
Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology.
The National Disaster Council (NDC) is responsible for the overview
of disaster events. The Council has responsibility for oversight
for arrangements for all hazards through four lead agencies:
- National Disaster Management Office – all hazards except:
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services – Pandemics
- Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock – Pests and diseases
- Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology – Climate change adaptation.
During a disaster event the National Disaster Operations Committee (N-Doc) is activated for the operational management of the disaster. The disaster coordinator is the head of the NDMO (Disaster Coordinator) and is responsible for the coordination of the overall operational response to a disaster.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is based at the NDMO office in a state of readiness for disaster response. It is responsible for information management, media management and cluster coordination.
In emergencies the Government will often set up a central fund with contributions gathered from various donors. This is then administered by the government. Various donors also have agreements with NGO’s to provide either direct funding or relief supplies in emergencies
Further information on the governtments capacities to respond to emergencies can be found in the following document:
Solomon Islands Humanitarian Background Additional Information
Note: The information provided in the attached documents, which has been taken from the old DLCA, does not match the structure of the new LCA and is therefore provided separately.
4.1 Solomon Islands Government Contact List
Humanitarian Community
