Police appeal to people in the country to take heed of bad weather warnings

Police is concern that members of the public take lightly the bad weather warnings that have been issued in past recent weeks and days for Solomon Islands.

Supervising Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Juanita Matanga says, “I came across a number of reports on missing boats, and I appeal to intended sea travellers to take heed of these warnings as this will save life. This also goes to general public at large to take seriously the bad weather warnings that are been broadcasted by SIBC, FMs stations and in various printed newspapers as this will help you to take necessary measures.”

She adds: “To our good people take these warnings seriously as this could lead to flash flooding, landslide over communities living near hill slopes, large rivers, streams and low lying areas. Do not attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth. People when receiving such warnings must consider their safety as a priority.”

“This is important because the challenges to conduct search and rescue during bad weather will be very challenging, considering the chances of finding them is very slim on the basis that the weather may hinder police and any rescue team to immediately conduct a search because of the danger of bad weather, and the poor visibility due to cloudy, rainy and at night are obstacles for any search,” says Supervising Commissioner Matanga.

Motorists and general public are also ask to take extra caution when using the road during heavy rain as it may become slippery and pose danger. To vehicle drivers, switch on your lights if visibility is not clear. Do not drive too fast and park properly to avoid collisions. To pedestrians, ensure the road is clear before crossing the road to avoid fatal accidents and drivers do not drive over bridges when it is not safe to drive to the other side.

These warnings are also posted in various local Facebook pages like the RSIPF Facebook, IUMI Tok Tok Forum, Solomon Business Magazine, and the various provincial pages, and there should not any excuse that enough warnings have been put out for public awareness on the bad weather.