TC MAILA RESPONSE WORK IN PROGRESS
The National Disaster Council (NDC) through the National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) in coordination with Provincial Disaster Committees (PDC) and Provincial Disaster Operations Committees (P-DOCs) for Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Central and Guadalcanal continues to undertake TC Maila disaster response efforts to address impacts and stabilised critical services including Health, Education and Livelihood services.
The Western P-DOC through its Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) in Gizo continues to coordinate TC Maila response efforts, working with national teams to prioritise actions, collect damage assessments, and support early recovery.
According to the Western Province SITREP latest report, PEOC in Gizo has carried out various important assessments on the following areas;
In the health sector, disease surveillance is active across four sites, recording 195 patient encounters. Malaria (32%), prolonged fever (32%), and acute diarrhoea (27%) are the most commonly reported syndromes, with malaria and influenza-like illness increasing among children under five.
The report stated that damage to health facilities and cold chain systems poses ongoing risks, while food shortages raise concerns about child malnutrition.
In terms of education, across Western, Choiseul and Guadalcanal, 84 schools have been affected—16 with major damage. In Western Province alone, some 21 schools are impacted; 10 have major structural damage.
Two schools remain occupied as displacement camps, delaying reopening. Schools are classified into Green (open), Yellow (short closures) and Red (closed pending safety clearance) zones.
The report on infrastructure stated that houses have been destroyed, with many more damaged in coastal areas west of Gizo Town.
The report also highlights the area of protection, where women vendors and children are identified as priority groups.
It added that displaced families—mainly women and children—sheltering at the Gizo Resource Centre lack adequate water, food and supplies. No gender-based violence cases have been formally reported, though access limitations affect monitoring.
Camp Management: Temporary shelters are operating at three schools, with evacuation shelters for school staff and families at Maneaba Community Hall, Noro Community High School, and Telina SDA Primary School.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Disaster Operating Committee (N-DOC) Mr. Jonathan Tafiariki commended the hard-working P-DOC and disaster response teams and members from all Sector Agencies on the ground.
“The Chair for N-DOC urge Sector Leads and Agencies to continue provide their situational updates and report daily to the NEOC and PEOCs as are very vital reports that will continue to guide P-DOC and N-DOC and other stakeholders on how we can continue to collaborate and working together to assist the victims of TC Maila and then move into the next stage, which is the recovery process,” he added.
The PEOC remains the central hub for provincial response, coordinating with national authorities to address resource gaps and support affected communities.
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