HEAVY RAIN AND FLOOD WHAT TO DO INFORMATION

Following the Heavy Rain Warning Number Eight issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) at 7:00 am  this morning on Thursday 17^th April 2025, the NEOC is issuing this Heavy Rain and Flood What to Do Information bulletin and is current for Western, Temotu, Southern Parts of Central, Guadalcanal and Makira Provinces. This Heavy Rain and Flood What to Do Information bulletin is current until a CANCELLATION advice is issued by the SIMS.

Such heavy rain will likely to cause flooding to creeks, streams, major rivers, drainages, coastal flooding, landslide and mudslides. Heavy rain can also create very low visibility. Therefore, people are advised to take this Heavy Rain and Flood 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 your response plan and move to a safe area/location.

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, and 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 your individual response plan and move to a safe area.
• Listen out to radio for more information to keep you updated.

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 SHIPS

• Mariners are advice 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 Flood What to Do Information is current until a cancellation advice is issued by the SIMS.

Please share this information to people with disabilities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For more details of the current heavy rain warning, please visit www.met.gov.sb or CALL: 933 (WEATHER) or 955 (DISASTER) or 999 (POLICE) or 977 (MARINE) or Check your nearest Provincial Emergency Operation Centre (PEOC) or your nearest Police station.

Issued by: