Misinformation Hampers Disaster Recovery Efforts
Honiara, Solomon Islands – The National Government, through the National Disaster Council (NDC), warns that the spread of misinformation is complicating emergency relief and recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Maila.
NDC Chair David Hiba Hiriasia urges the public to avoid spreading untrue information about the distribution of funds or assistance to affected communities.
“Misinformation can misdirect emergency services and break down social cohesion, making it harder for communities to respond effectively and decreasing trust in government institutions,” he said.
Hiriasia notes that the current emergency response focuses on immediate relief, not rebuilding infrastructure or homes.
The recovery phase will begin after emergency operations conclude. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is coordinating efforts to ensure timely assistance to affected provinces and communities.
The public is advised to work with Provincial Disaster Operation Committees and rely on official information from NDMO/NEOC.
The NDC reiterates that emergency funds are for immediate response, and provincial disaster committees lead response efforts with national support.
Hiriasia reiterated that the emergency budget of 10 million dollars approved by the Cabinet is to ensure relief supplies reach the affected communities promptly.
“To suggest that the National Disaster Council is misusing and unfairly distributing funds is unsubstantiated or grossly misleading, since all spending is managed by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury under existing stringent and prudent measures in the Public Management Act.
The NDMO urges the public to stop spreading misinformation and to rely on official updates.
The National Government, through the National Disaster Council (NDC), is beefing up coordinated emergency relief efforts to ensure the 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, prioritising the needs of affected and vulnerable communities.
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