This article was originally published by the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) on 12 October 2026. Read the original at sibconline.com.sb.
By Eliza Kukutu
Communities across Solomon Islands can now access much-needed disaster preparedness and emergency information following the launch of the UmiRedi App.
The app brings together early warnings, alerts, incident reporting, mapping, preparedness resources, logistics information, and recovery reporting on a single platform.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Wayne Ghemu, described the app as a national one-stop shop for climate and disaster information.
He said that as Solomon Islands continues to face increasing risks from cyclones, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, sea-level rise, and other climate-related hazards, it is important to strengthen the country’s ability to prepare, coordinate, and respond effectively.
“Disaster management is a continuous cycle of prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. UmiRedi supports every stage of this cycle. It strengthens prevention and preparedness through risk information, awareness resources, and early warnings.
“It supports response through real-time reporting and coordination. It also assists recovery through impact assessments and recovery information,” Minister Ghemu said.
The Minister also highlighted that the app is accessible to communities, schools, government agencies, and emergency responders, placing preparedness at the centre of disaster risk management.
“The cost of preparing for disasters will always be far less than the cost of responding to and recovering from them.
“Every early warning received, every preparedness plan developed, and every informed decision made before a disaster strikes helps reduce loss and damage. That is the real value of UmiRedi,” he added.
The UmiRedi App was developed by TraSeable Solutions, with support from Save the Children Solomon Islands through the SOLKAS Project, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government.
Save the Children Solomon Islands Country Coordinator, Tori Clausen said the app strengthens child-centred disaster preparedness and helps create safer futures for every child.
She said the launch marks an important milestone by providing families and communities with practical information they can use to prepare early, respond faster, and help keep children safe.
“Emergencies can interrupt education, separate families, and limit access to food, clean water, healthcare, and protection. These risks are even greater in remote communities where reliable information and assistance are harder to access. That is why preparedness cannot wait until a cyclone is approaching or floodwaters are rising.
“By putting clear preparedness information into people’s hands, the app can help Solomon Islanders understand local risks, make informed decisions, and take practical steps to protect the people they love. Of course, an app alone cannot do this,” Clausen said.
She added that the success and effectiveness of the app will depend on everyone’s collaboration and encouraged communities to make full use of it.
“We are always learning and always improving. Provincial authorities, community leaders, schools, churches, parents, young people, and children all have a role to play. The real measure of success will not be the number of downloads.
“It will be families who understand their risks, communities that are better prepared, and people who can act quickly when warnings are issued.”
The UmiRedi App is now available for download on Google Play Store.
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Source: SIBC News, “Umi Redi App officially Launched”, 12 October 2026. Republished with attribution to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation.