THE current bad weather situation has forced most shipping operators to cancel their trips to most of the provinces.
With the festive season nearing its peak, most people are now planning to travel back to their provinces.
However, the negative impacts of Cyclone Jasper are felt nationwide and most ships are taking shelter at nearby habours and bays in the Central Province.
A notice issued by Franjit Shipping Service yesterday, advised the public and passengers of the cancellation of its services to Auki this week.
This was due to the adverse weather conditions.
“We would like to offer our apologies for the cancellation of MV Auki Express trip to Auki tomorrow morning,” the notice stated.
Fairwest Shipping Company operating along the Honiara – Western route also issued an advisory about the cancellation of Fair Lady’s trips.
It stated that MV Fairlady on Monday has taken shelter from the cyclone at Ringi Cove in the Western Province.
“Notice to travelling passengers and families of passengers travelling onboard MV Fair lady.
“MV Fair lady is currently taking shelter from the Cyclone at Ringi cove. She will continue its return voyage once the weather permits. We will update this space on any changes.
“Fairwest Shipping management wishes to remind everyone to stay safe and keep warm this cyclone period,” the notice stated.
Another Fairwast Shipping vessel MV Marina II which operates a weekly service along the Honiara-Western route was forced to delay its return trip from Gizo to Honiara this week.
It was supposed to depart Gizo on Monday morning for Honiara.
However, it advised that once the weather improves, it would leave Gizo for Honiara on Friday (tomorrow) morning.
According to the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service, Tropical Cyclone Jasper with a central pressure of 991 hectopascals was located near 10.1degree latitude south and 157.5 agrees longitude East.
This is located approximately 82 nautical miles (152km) southwest of Tetepare island in the Western Province and 134 Nautical miles (274km) west-south west of West Guadalcanal Island.
It stated that the expected gale force winds of 34 to 47 knots (63 to 87 kilometers per hours) to occur over western Choisuel, Isabel, Central, Malaita, Guadalcanal, Makira-Ulawa and Rennell/Bellona provinces.
The MET advised the public that the sea will be rough with moderate to heavy swells (2.5-5 meters) over the most waters.
It is understood that the Solomon Airlines has also suspended its domestic flights since Tuesday this week due to currently bad weather.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Honiara