NDMO Director Jonathan Tafiariki
By Alfred Pagepitu
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has activated its national drought response plan following the declaration of El Niño conditions in Solomon Islands.
The move comes amid warnings of below-average rainfall and possible water shortages across parts of the country.
NDMO Director Jonathan Tafiariki said the plan aims to protect communities and ensure agencies are prepared to respond quickly, particularly in areas already experiencing early signs of water stress.
Speaking during a joint media conference with the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service on Wednesday, Mr Tafiariki said a national drought sub-plan is guiding preparedness and response efforts.
“Our country has a sub-plan specifically for drought, which is a slow-onset hazard closely linked to reduced rainfall and water shortages,” he said.
As part of the response, a Drought Advisory Group has been established, bringing together key technical agencies to assess conditions across sectors.
The group is chaired by the Directors of the Meteorological Service and the Water Resources Management Division, and provides technical advice to the National Disaster Operations Committee based on ongoing assessments.
It will monitor rainfall patterns, water resources, agriculture and food security, as well as potential health impacts associated with prolonged dry conditions.
Mr Tafiariki said the National Emergency Operations Centre, which remains active following Tropical Cyclone Maila, will also support monitoring of El Niño impacts.
“This means the National Disaster Operations Committee now has a dual role—responding to cyclone impacts while preparing for drought-related risks,” he said.
He confirmed that coordination meetings have already been held to activate agencies and begin nationwide assessments.
Early reports of water shortages have been received from parts of Malaita Province, with technical teams being mobilised to assess the situation and recommend responses.
Mr Tafiariki warned that low-lying communities and those relying on rainwater harvesting are most vulnerable during extended dry periods.
He said lessons from previous El Niño events, including those in 1997–98 and 2015–16, are informing current preparedness efforts.
The public is being urged to conserve water and prepare for drier conditions in the coming months, with the possibility of additional government support if the situation worsens.
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