Pacific / Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands police check Western Province for unexploded bombs

11:33 am on 19 May 2022

Police in Solomon Islands are conducting an unexploded ordnance operation in Western Province.

Solomon Islands police officers digging up WWII shells at Gilbert Camp in Honiara. Photo: Supplied/ Royal Solomon Islands Police Force

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team's mission will run until June 4 and was being carried out in the Seghe area and surrounding communities, according to Officer in Charge, Inspector Clifford Tunuki.

The operation was in support of the initial sub surface clearance of Seghe Airport and there was a team on the ground to respond to any unexploded ordnance findings at the airport, he said.

He said explosive remnants from WWII had impacted Islanders' livelihood, environment and developments.

Solomon Islands saw some of the most intense conflict in WWII and munitions remain a threat across the country.

Tunuki called on people in the area to report any sightings of unexploded ordnance or bombs to the team or to the Seghe Police Station.

"We will have a team deployed to your community or island and the UXO or bomb will be dealt with immediately once reported to our EOD team," he said.

Reports can be made to the police toll free line 999 or the RSIPF EOD mobile 749 5215