Food relief assistance for cyclone-affected communities in Simbo, Western Province is now underway, with distribution expected to begin today, Friday 17th April.
The Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC) confirmed that loading operations are currently in progress in Gizo, with supplies being transported to Simbo by Patrol Boat Gizo.
The shipment includes 777 bags of rice and Non-Food Items (NFIs) to be distributed to 16 affected communities.
To support the large-scale operation, the MSG building in Gizo has been temporarily closed and is now being used as a storage facility operating at full capacity.
PDC Chairman Collin Potakana said the priority is to assist communities identified as “red zones,” which suffered the most severe damage during the cyclone.
“We are focusing on the red zones that have experienced serious damages first. Later, we will move on to other islands,” he told Solomon Star in an interview.
Relief supplies include food items, tents, and tools to assist affected families in their immediate recovery.
Meanwhile, MV Florence has also been engaged to transport food supplies and NFIs to the Shortland Islands, while Ranongga is expected to be the next destination for relief distribution.
Helicopter relief operations in Rendova have also delivered food supplies to the communities of Baniata, Vasara, Hopongo and Kaliva.
Additional food supplies have been distributed from stockpiles in Munda and Gizo, as relief operations continue across affected areas.
The Patrol Boat Gizo will offload supplies in Simbo before returning to Gizo to prepare for further operations.
In a related development, unconfirmed reports indicate that Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is expected to visit the Western Province.
He is reportedly scheduled to first visit Choiseul Province before traveling to Gizo and Simbo for site assessments.
PM is currently overseas.
Authorities continue to coordinate the relief effort to ensure timely and effective delivery of assistance to all affected communities.
By Ulutah Gina
Solomon Star, Gizo
