Third Pacific Meteorology Council

Third Pacific Meteorological Council ends on a high note

Amongst the resolution passed is the hosting of the 4th PMC in Solomon Islands in 2017.

Solomon Islands Meteorological Services Director David Hiriasia said Solomon Islands is happy to host the next PMC – “it will be good for the Meteorological Services in the Solomon Islands.”

Hiriasia said the PMC-4 will be looking at the many recommendations from this year’s meeting, and track progress of the implementation of some of the decisions from PMC-3.

Women, children missing from Pacific agenda

At a press conference this week, the PMC Chair, Ofa Fa’anunu was asked why vulnerable groups had been overlooked on the programme.

“That is a good question. Gender is an important issue being raised here and one of the members should have raised it.”

Fa'anunu, who is also director of the Tonga Meteorology Services, said his country was aware of the high fatalities of vulnerable people during disasters.

When the MV Princess Ashika ferry sank in August 2009, all 54 survivors were men, 74 women and children died.