HILARY HOSIA
Despite the natural disaster that displaced 21 individuals and destroyed five homes over the weekend on the main island of Jaluit, the government is reluctant to declare state of emergency because the total damage does not meet the threshold for an emergency declaration.
Jaluit Parliament Member Sonny Milne raised the issue on the Nitijela floor Tuesday with the hope of the government providing immediate relief to the people on Jaluit, Jaluit. A high wind blew through Jaluit Island over the weekend, causing significant damage to this one island.
Over the years, the government through its National Disaster Management Office at the Office of the Chief Secretary, has faced public criticism for not providing relief to damaged homes in Majuro and the outer islands when the number of damaged homes does not meet the government’s threshold.
A prime example was the recent damage of two homes in Small Island where the roofs were blown off and the homes were rendered unlivable. The community and Marshall Islands Red Cross Society provided aid and assistance to both families. The NDMO, however, was not engaged because two damaged homes does not justify NDMO action.
Declaring a state of emergency frees up government funds and resources during disasters.
Reports from Jaluit showed two churches with roofs blown off, many smaller homes damaged, and loss of vegetation throughout the island.
The Marshall Islands Red Cross Society and the Jaluit Atoll Local Government have been providing assistance since the twister incident.
The national government’s Project Management Unit will be deployed to Jaluit to assess the situation before further assistance is granted, according to a government official working closely with the Jaluit local government.