Heavy rain warning still current for Solomon Islands

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A heavy rain warning is still current for the entire country (Solomon Islands).

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) issued the warning in its fifth heavy rain advisory today.

SIMS says situation is that a trough lies over Solomon Islands and links to a tropical disturbance located to southeast of Rennell Island.

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Associated cloud and heavy rain with thunderstorms are expected to affect all provinces and islands.

Such localised heavy rain may lead to landslide and flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low lying areas. 

The weather office urged sea travellers to consider safety actions as such heavy rain can reduce visibility.

Motorists are also advised to use extreme caution when travelling on road. Do not attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth.

People are therefore strongly advised to take safety measures to avoid danger and loss of lives.

Following the heavy rain warning, The National Disaster Management Office continue to issues the subsequent WHAT TO DO INFORMATION for public attention.

CURRENT SITUATION:

Heavy Rain Warning Number FIVE (5) has been issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) at 7am this Morning linking to a tropical disturbance located Southeast of Rennell Island.

CAUTION:        

Continuous heavy rain can cause flash flood, river flood to low lying areas, coastal flooding, 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.

This heavy rain will likely to cause flooding to creeks, streams, major rivers and drainages.

People are advised to take this what to do information seriously.

RECOMMENDED SAFETY ACTIONS:

1. FOR VILLAGE LEADERS & FAMILIES

• Listen to your radio for emergency information – SIBC, FM, HF radio
• Inform your neighbours and vulnerable people about the current heavy rain situation
• If Flood risk increases, Activate Response Plans and move to Safe Area

2. FOR PEOPLE LIVING CLOSE TO RIVERS AND SHORELINES AREAS UNDER THE THREAT OF FLOODING

• Keep together important items like radio, mobile phones, torch, knife, food, water, important papers, important medicines ready to take with you to Safe Area if REQUIRED Evacuation
• Store drinking water in sealed bottles as water supply may be interrupted (e.g. Dirty or supply cut off)
• Do not allow children to play in the rain and on flood rising water or drainage Areas
• If Flood risk increases, Activate Response Plans and move to Safe Area

3. FOR 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. FOR BOATS AND SHIPPING

• Mariners are advise 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

This Heavy Rain and Flooding What to Do Information is current until a cancellation of the Heavy rain warning is issued by the SI Meteorological Services

Next Update will be at: (7:00pm this evening 07/02/2020)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND ASSISSTANCE

FREE CALL LINES

For NDMO/NEOC: 955. For Weather, Earthquake and Tsunami Information: 933. For Police: 999. For Marine Search & Rescue: 977. For Fire: 988 OR

Visit your nearest Provincial Emergency Operation Centres or Your Nearest Police Station OR

Email: [email protected] OR Check Website: www.ndmo.gov.sb and www.met.gov.sb

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