The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands says to start an investigation into a ferry accident during Hurricane Harold that killed 27 passengers. According to local media and on social media, there is a comment that the government itself is responsible for the disaster.
On April 2, the crowded ferry departed from the capital of the Pacific archipelago as Hurricane Harold approached. People returned home en masse on government advice regarding a possible lockdown due to the coronavirus. Presumably 27 passengers were knocked overboard by the waves. Seven people have now been found.
Warnings
According to a former provincial administrator, the government hired boats to bring people home. The vessels are said to have been overcrowded and not stopped by police and maritime authorities. He tells the Solomon Star that the crew followed government orders and that government should take responsibility.
The Solomon Islands government acknowledges that the crew of the boats responded to the demand to bring people home because of the corona measures. “It is important that the crew follow the advice of weather warnings and strictly adhere to the maximum number of passengers.”
The investigation should reveal why the boats were operating despite warnings and why there were more than twice as many people on board as allowed.
Hurricane now in Fiji
The severe hurricane migrated from the Solomon Islands to Vanuatu, and has caused damage in many parts of the country. The country has been hit by heavy rainfall and floods. Hurricane Harold made landfall with winds of up to 235 km / h and has become the fifth category hurricane, the highest there is.
Today the hurricane arrived in Fiji. The streets are flooded with water and several buildings and houses have been destroyed. Residents must remain indoors unless called to be evacuated.
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