National agencies team up to test tsunami preparedness across the country.
The Solomon Islands will hold its annual national tsunami drill, Eksasaes Aelan Weiv 2024 (AelanWeiv24), on November 5, 2024. This exercise coincides with the Pacific regional tsunami drill, Pacific Wave 2024 (Pacwave24), in collaboration with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) in Hawaii and several local agencies, including the Geological Survey Division, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services, and the National Disaster Management Office.
This year’s drill focuses on improving the country’s tsunami preparedness and response strategies. AelanWeiv24 provides a unique platform to test and review tsunami early warning systems and coordination among disaster management agencies.
The drill aims to achieve several objectives. Hazard technical agencies will evaluate their ability to detect tsunami threats and disseminate warnings effectively to emergency responders and the public. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) will activate the Solomon Islands Disaster Management Arrangement, which involves mobilizing response protocols among various agencies. Public and private institutions, including government ministries, hospitals, and schools, will assess their emergency and disaster response readiness. This exercise will also help identify areas for improvement in tsunami preparedness and response plans.
All stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector organizations, are invited to participate. The drill seeks to engage the general public, families, and communities, enhancing overall awareness and readiness for tsunami events.
By the end of the exercise, the anticipated outcomes include improved technical competency among tsunami service providers in utilizing PTWC tsunami products effectively. The NDMO and other agencies are expected to demonstrate operational readiness to respond immediately to a tsunami event. Increased familiarity with emergency protocols among public and private sector stakeholders will be crucial, alongside enhanced community understanding of individual and family preparedness for tsunami situations.
NDMO says regular tsunami drills, such as AelanWeiv24, play a critical role in maintaining readiness among both officials and the public. “Since tsunamis are infrequent but potentially devastating, effective preparation can save lives and ensure a swift response during actual events”.
