News and Public Notices

The Bougainville Emergency Controller, Chief Secretary Mr. Kearnneth Nanei, has issued the first set of Emergency Orders under the declared State of Emergency (SOE), establishing a unified command structure and activating a full-scale response to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila.

The Emergency Orders confirm that the entire Autonomous Region of Bougainville remains under a State of Emergency, with all emergency operations, including those by government agencies, statutory bodies, development partners and international responders, centrally coordinated through the Office of the Emergency Controller to ensure a unified and efficient response.

A central command centre has been established in Buka, supported by Regional Operational Centres and led respectively by Regional Community Government Directors:

• Buka (Northern Region and Nissan/Atolls) led by Abraham Bunei and Tony Kauworo
• Arawa (Central Region) led by Michael Otoroa
• Buin (Southern Region) led by Clara Momoi

These teams will coordinate closely with District Management Teams, Community Governments as first responders, and key stakeholders including churches, civil society organisations and the private sector.

The Emergency Orders activate a structured three-phase response plan:

• Immediate (0–7 days): Life-saving interventions and rapid assessments in identified “hot spot” areas including Panguna, Kongara 1, Torokina, Bana, Tinputz, Siwai, the Atolls and the West Coast, alongside aerial assessments of isolated “blind spot” areas.
• Short to Medium Term (1–4 weeks): Community stabilization, restoration of critical infrastructure including roads, and distribution of essential WASH and medical supplies.
• Long Term (1–3 months): Recovery and resilience efforts, including permanent reconstruction of key infrastructure such as the Ramazon Bridge and seawalls in the Atolls.

The Orders further instruct that all essential public services will continue to operate throughout the State of Emergency. Health facilities and government offices are to remain fully operational, while schools across Bougainville are scheduled to resume on April 20, 2026, in line with the Department of Education Circular No.2/2026.

The Emergency Controller retains the authority to restrict or suspend services in specific locations where safety risks are identified, based on ongoing assessments.

All government agencies, partners and stakeholders are required to provide continuous situation reports to the Emergency Operations Centre to support a coordinated and data-driven response.

The ABG calls on all citizens to comply with the Emergency Orders and support response efforts across their communities.

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