Tropical Cyclone Maila Response Update

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) remains fully activated and continues to coordinate the national response to Tropical Cyclone Maila. The NEOC is actively receiving and analysing impact reports from provinces and the public to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.

To gain a clear and consolidated view of the damage in the hardest-hit provinces, the NEOC activated the UN Charter on 8 April 2026. This activation provides the government with access to high-resolution satellite imagery, which is being used to prioritize impact assessments in Western, Choiseul, and Isabel Provinces. At the same time logistics teams are working to pre-position essential relief supplies, including shelter kits and non-food items, in Honiara and throughout the provinces.

Meanwhile the National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) has been meeting daily to finalize a Forward Response Plan. The plan outlines a coordinated, province-led approach to response operations, including Initial Situation Overviews (ISO), Initial Damage Assessments (IDA), and targeted emergency relief. Priority provinces include Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Guadalcanal, and Central Islands. Sector Committees are working closely with provincial authorities to develop detailed response plans aligned with this framework.

Sector responses across Government and partners are also being strengthened. The health sector has activated national and provincial emergency operations centres to full activation to ensure continuity of essential services and dissemination of critical health information. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has activated operations centres in Western and Choiseul to support safety and security while Livelihood, education, and other sectors continue to coordinate with provincial counterparts to assess impacts and mobilize support.

Humanitarian partners, including NGOs and the Solomon Islands Red Cross, have also activated emergency operations and are aligning their support with government-led efforts. Relief planning is underway, with partners preparing to contribute resources, technical assistance, and operational support to affected communities.

Based on current assessments, priority humanitarian needs include emergency food and safe drinking water, shelter assistance, hygiene and kitchen kits, as well as support for health services, including mobile clinics and essential medical supplies. Continued coordinated support through all levels of Government, disaster partners, and stakeholders under the National Disaster Management Arrangements remains essential to ensure effective and targeted response to Cyclone Maila.

In support of the national response, key Government Ministries have developed a joint Briefing Paper led by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the Ministry of Provincial Governance and Institutional Strengthening, and the Ministry responsible for Disaster Management (MECDM). The briefing paper will be presented to Cabinet by the Chair of the National Disaster Council (NDC), the Permanent Secretary of MECDM, at Parliament for formal deliberation.

Discussions will focus on securing and aligning financing arrangements to support the implementation of the Forward Response Plan.

This coordinated approach reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring timely availability of financial resources to support response operations and the effective delivery of assistance to affected provinces and communities.

The NDMO, through the NEOC, continues to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure a coordinated, timely, and effective response to Tropical Cyclone Maila, prioritizing the needs of affected and vulnerable communities.

The public is encouraged to use the following toll-free operational lines for assistance: SIMS (933) for weather updates, NEOC (955) for reporting impacts and emergencies, and MRCC (977) for maritime search and rescue. These services are established to support timely information sharing and coordinated response efforts.

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