The impacts of the current El Niño event are expected to be felt differently across Solomon Islands, depending on rainfall levels and local water availability.
Director of Meteorological Services, Alick Haruhiru, said that lower-than-normal rainfall is a slow-onset problem that gradually affects communities over time.
Speaking at a press conference in Honiara, Haruhiru said that as dry conditions continue, some areas may begin to experience water shortages which might also lead to wider impacts on health, education, and other essential services.
“If a community has a large population and rainfall remains below normal for two to three months, water tanks, wells, and dams can begin to run dry,” he explained.
Haruhiru, however, said that other climate systems can still bring periods of rain even when El Niño conditions are present.
“One example is the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), a moving band of clouds that travels around the tropics. When it passes over Solomon Islands, it can bring rain, although its effects usually last for only a short period.
“In terms of temperature, El Niño in Solomon Islands does not produce the extreme heat experienced in larger countries. However, during prolonged dry periods, temperatures can rise to between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius.
“Generally, temperatures across the country remain relatively stable, ranging from 29 to 33 degrees Celsius,” Director Haruhiru said.
He further said that El Niño has historically been associated with an increased risk of tropical cyclones in Solomon Islands.
He said that tropical cyclones are fueled by warm sea surface temperatures.
“During El Niño, warmer ocean temperatures can provide the energy needed for cyclone development, increasing the likelihood of cyclone activity in the region,” Haruhiru said.
He said that authorities will continue to monitor weather conditions and urge communities to prepare for possible water shortages and other impacts associated with the El Niño period.
Meanwhile, Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Jonathan Tafiariki, is urging communities across the country experiencing water issues due to the current El Niño-induced drought to report their situation through provincial and national reporting channels.
Tafiariki said government services are present in all provinces and can assist communities affected by water shortages.
He said that water-related concerns can be reported to provincial environmental health divisions, formerly known as the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) program, which can assess the situation and identify appropriate solutions.
“People in the provinces can contact the relevant authorities regarding any water issues they are facing so that appropriate action can be taken,” Tafiariki said.
He added that provincial police, health authorities and provincial disaster offices are also available to receive reports and assist affected communities.
“People can use these provincial channels to report any issues they are facing,” he said.
Tafiariki said several toll-free emergency numbers are available to the public at the national level.
“The disaster hotline is 955, the Meteorological Service can be reached on 933, Health Services on 115, and Police on 999,” he said.
He assured the rural communities that reports made through any of these channels will be relayed to the NDMO.
“Under the drought response arrangements, all reports will eventually reach the NDMO. We continue to work together under the drought plan framework to coordinate responses,” he said.
Tafiariki explained that information received through various agencies is shared with the NDMO and referred to the National Emergency Operations Centre for assessment and action.
“The National Emergency Operations Centre will then work with the relevant mandated agencies to undertake the actions required to address the situation that has arisen,” he said.
The NDMO continues to monitor drought conditions across the country and is encouraging communities affected to report their circumstances promptly so assistance can be coordinated where needed.
