Reliable early tsunami warning systems and the necessity of safety drill procedures
The Solomon Islands is a valued member of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and in August 2017 facilitated a meeting of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Systems (PTWS) Working Group on Tsunami Warning and Mitigation for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICT’s) in Honiara.
The meeting which was attended by close to 30 representatives from Pacific countries and invited experts and observers, was the opportunity for tsunami warning and mitigation focal points to share the progress of national efforts to ensure effective and reliable tsunami warning and mitigation services for their countries.
The meeting allowed the participants to review tsunami detection, warning and response capabilities of the PICT's and tsunami mitigation activities in the region. This meeting was also very important for the Working Group to discuss their priorities and future actions.
As clearly the PICT’s meeting was instigated for the Working Group to improve tsunami warning and mitigation services, I respectfully pose the question whether, or not, there are nowtsunami warning devices, such as sirens, in locations throughout the Solomon Islands?
If such devices are not yet in place and functional, as they are already in some other Pacific Islands countries, could it be clarified when such devices will be obtained and in situ?
Solomon Islands Red Cross society has emergency plans in place to deal with the relief efforts following a local tsunami, as was so ably demonstrated by Red Cross volunteers following the two most recent tsunami’s, but particularly the one that effected the lives of 15,000 Solomon Islanders in 2007.
Early and timely warning of an approaching tsunami, if it had been possible in 2007, would have saved lives.
Safety drill preparedness for children in schools has been practiced by the Red Cross society with help from the SIG, the Government of Japan, the United Nations and the UNDP.
Safety drill preparedness must continue and preparedness steps should include the creation of emergency evacuation plans and the construction of evacuation routes from school premises.
Schools should also have an internal early warning system, whether by way of a siren or by the ringing of a bell or the repeated beating of a drum.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
