The ‘Cyclone Season’ film, supported through Disaster READY, shows how a community prepares ahead of a cyclone. This film was shot across two days with the Oibola community in Malaita province by Oxfam in the Pacific.
In Solomon Islands, AHP NGOs participating in Disaster READY include Save the Children Australia, Oxfam Australia, World Vision Australia, Caritas Australia/CAN DO, Live and Learn and Plan International Australia. Activities are being implemented with communities and local governments in all provinces across Solomon Islands, and in the capital Honiara.
Disaster risk in Solomon Islands
Second only to Vanuatu on the 2021 World Risk Index, communities in Solomon Islands are threatened by a litany of natural disasters, including cyclones, tsunamis, floods, and drought. With a population of approximately 560,000 people spread over 347 inhabited islands, there can be significant coordination, logistic, and communication challenges during emergencies.
Naomi Tai is the Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DI-DRR) Officer for People with Disabilities Solomon Islands, the National Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (OPD). Her role is funded through the Disaster READY program.
Solomon Islands program overview
Disaster READY partners in Solomon Islands have worked to strengthen disaster management coordination and response mechanisms. Partners piloted a cash transfer program to test its viability in remote communities, worked with local disabled people’s organisations to ensure stronger representation for people with disabilities on disaster committees, and increased gender and protection capacity at the national, provincial and community level. Teams on the ground have also supported the national disaster management office’s creation of a disaster information management system, strengthened local early warning systems, and connected the private sector to the disaster management network.
Disaster READY Achievements
As of October 2021.
Reached a total of 23,215 people.
45% children.
50% women and girls.
1% people living with disabilities.
There are new or updated Disaster Plans in place in 32 communities, and 9 schools since the start of Disaster READY.
Disaster READY Solomon Islands field stories
Through the AHP COVID-19 response in Solomon Islands, community nurseries and agricultural training are helping families get more from their home gardens, reducing their food expenses and supporting livelihoods.