Financial backing for public safety campaigns is critical to saving lives and minimizing environmental destruction during the ongoing severe climate crisis, West New Britain (WNB) Provincial Disaster Coordinator Herman Volele emphasized following a successful awareness drive at Hoskins Secondary School.
The WNB Provincial Disaster Office is urgently requesting District Development Authorities across the province to release dedicated funds to secure logistics, materials, and resources required to expand critical El Niño awareness campaigns to all rural and urban communities.
"We are racing against one of the worst El Niño disasters on record," Mr. Volele warned. "Proactive preparation is absolutely crucial right now to minimize casualties, prevent the loss of lives, and protect vital community properties."
The province is currently grappling with a severe drought that has triggered uncontained wild bushfires. During the school awareness sessions, students were strictly cautioned against playing with matches, lighting unnecessary fires, or leaving any fires unattended.
Faced with extreme daily temperatures soaring between 34°C and 35°C, coupled with widespread water shortages across local institutions, the Disaster Office has issued an emergency safety directive for schools and families:
- Hydration and Safety Gear: Students must carry at least one litre of drinking water daily. They are strongly advised to wear hats, sunglasses, and face masks to shield themselves from the intense heat and heavy smoke inhalation.
- Reduced School Hours: All local schools have been advised to dismiss students early at 12:00 PM to avoid peak heat hours. Kindergarten and pre-schools are urged to close temporarily to keep highly vulnerable young children safe at home.
- Health and Air Quality Warnings: Due to poor air quality driven by smoke and high carbon concentrations, physical and outdoor activities must be strictly curtailed.
- Water Sanitation: With limited remaining water sources, residents are heavily reminded to boil all water before consumption to prevent waterborne diseases and health complications from polluted sources.
The WNB Provincial Disaster Office remains on high alert and continues to call for immediate inter-government collaboration to fund and deploy emergency support teams across the province.