Floodwaters Photo: RNZ/Ian Telfer
Papua New Guinea - death
One person has died in West Sepik following more flooding.
Murky water has inundated homes and destroyed gardens.
The National newspaper reported the latest death is a man from Nuku Village, who was reportedly carried away by flood waters.
In March, remote areas in PNG's Highlands were impacted by flooding.
In Chimbu Province, more than 20 people were reported dead following flooding and landslides there.
Fiji - HIV
More than 400 new cases of HIV were recorded in Fiji in 2023.
Permanent secretary for health Dr Jemesa Tudravu said since the early 2000s, the numbers have begun to rise more sharply, with particularly dramatic increases from 2017 onwards.
FBC reported Dr Tudravu saying the numbers they are getting are the tip of the iceberg.
Solomon Islands - arrest
A 27-year-old man has been arrested, with the help of elders and chiefs, following an alleged murder in Honiara.
Police spokesperson Jimson Robo said the alleged murder took place in the early hours of 12 May at the Scorpion pub on Kukum highway.
He said the victim and his wife left the pub to place a phone call when a man grabbed the woman's phone and ran off.
The victim ran after him and was then assaulted by a group of boys.
Samoa - X-ray
A new warehouse is being built in Samoa to house the country's first container X-ray scanner unit.
The Samoa Observer reported the mobile equipment will make it easier to inspect containers for contraband without unloading them.
A company from China, Nutech Limited won the bid to procure the equipment, worth US$3.5 million, with funding coming from the Asian Development Bank.
Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio confirmed the commissioning of the scanner is planned for July, once the construction of the warehouse and training for officials is completed.
Solomon Islands/Australia - visit
Australia's deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has arrived in Honiara to meet with Solomon Islands' newly formed Government.
Marles was to meet with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and other senior ministers of the National Unity and Transformation Government's cabinet.
Marles was set to announce support projects under the Solomon Islands - Australia partnership during the visit.
Samoa - alcohol standards
Samoa has launched its first alcohol standards guidelines.
Chairman of the Liquor Board and deputy prime minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio said the main focus is to provide a guide for the board in administering the Alcohol Control Act.
He has expressed confidence the guidelines would significantly advance the government's efforts to tackle alcohol-related violence against women and children.
Tuala warned manufacturers to prioritise quality over quantity, and participate in educating consumers about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption.
