17 Aug 2015

Solomon disaster authorities warn against apathy

1:59 pm on 17 August 2015

The Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office is warning people not to let apathy set in, following a number of recent earthquakes.

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Solomon Islands last Monday, followed by a 6.6 quake a few days later, but no damage has been reported.

The director of the NDMO, Loti Yates, says because of deadly tsunamis generated from local earthquakes in recent years, a shake will automatically get people moving inland.

The Director of National Disaster Management Office, Loti Yates.

The Director of National Disaster Management Office, Loti Yates. Photo: SPREP

He says a lot of the people are very aware of how to respond, but others have become apathetic due to the frequency of earthquakes.

"We just have to continue to work and push them and ensure that it's better that you move, or you respond to advices rather than having regrets later. 'If only I had done that', you know, that is a statement that people say all the time. 'If only I had done that' or, 'If only I had listened to advices'."

Loti Yates says while the NDMO undertakes awareness programmes, the key responsibility for disaster preparedness remains with individual households.