World Vision joins Solomon Islands Government relief efforts to assist earthquake-affected communities
A Government patrol boat loaded with relief supplies including World Vision shelter kits will travel from Honiara today and is due to arrive in earthquake-affected Makira tomorrow morning. Along with relief supplies, World Vision is supporting the Solomon Islands government with smartphones to assist in rapid assessments and staff to support efforts.
Loti Yates, the Director of the National Disaster Management Office, requested World Vision’s assistance in distributing shelter kits to earthquake-affected families. . The shelter kits, provided by the New Zealand Government to World Vision, contain items including a tarpaulin, shovel, nails, rope and tools to help families affected by the earthquake. “The New Zealand Government is committed to working with the Solomon Islands Government and partners like World Vision to ensure those in need are assisted,” said Tim Breese, New Zealand’s Deputy High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands.
Reports from the National Emergency Operations Centre have increased the number affected by Friday’s magnitude 7.8 earthquake to around 4000 people in the provinces of Makira, Temotu and Malaita with over 100 homes destroyed. Infrastructure damage has also been reported including damage to roads, bridges and clinics and two communities in Makira reported a wave travelling 200 metres inland following the earthquake.
Zinnia and her one-year old baby narrowly missed being hit by falling brick when Friday’s earthquake shook their home in Kirakira, Makira’s provincial capital.
“I felt very hopeless. I thought my baby and I would die,” said Zinnia. “I heard people shouting and children crying. Many people ran to the hills and we joined them.” Zinnia her family stayed on the hilltop all day but by evening her baby had a high fever. When they came down to visit the clinic, a powerful aftershock forced people in the area to return to the hills, fearing a tsunami.
“So many houses have been destroyed or damaged and some people are sleeping out in the open. It’s now the wet season in the Solomon Islands so providing protection from the elements for children and families is a priority,” said Janes Ginting, World Vision Solomon Islands Country Director.
World Vision’s staff in Makira Province are coordinating with the Provincial Disaster Management Office to support disaster assessment and relief distribution.
Photo: Langi Ally Pitia/World Vision
The boat containing the relief supplies, dispatched by the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office, also contains supplies from other non-governmental organisations assisting in relief efforts.
For more information, or for an interview please contact:
Evan Wasuka
World Vision Solomon Islands Communications Manager
Email: evan_wasuka@wvi.org
Mobile: +6777653339
Skype: evan.wasuka1