World Vision to help in Solomons after tsunami

World Vision prepares to help in Solomons after tsunami strikes

Aid agency World Vision reports 25 people dead in Gizo, in Western Province Solomon Islands after a 3 metre tsunami hit the town this morning. Many are injured but the numbers are not yet known, although it is believed between 50,000 and 60,000 have been affected. Poor communications is inhibiting accurate data at the moment.

World Vision staff member, Frieda Kano, in Honiara, says there is a trail of destruction. "The Catholic Church and secondary school are destroyed, along with many villages around the coast. Most of the island has gravity-fed water systems and many of these have collapsed with water tanks falling down the hill. Houses on hillsides have also suffered from landslides during the 8.0 quake."

Kiwi Stephen Harries, World Vision's Country Manager for the Solomon Islands, is in New Zealand at the moment. He says World Vision is discussing its response in the water and sanitation sector, as well as emergency food and shelter.

"World Vision is the largest NGO in the Solomon Islands, and we've been preparing our staff for a disaster like this. We have a team in the Solomons who are skilled in water and sanitation work, and they will look at the rehabilitation work that needs to be done."

Harries says the vast majority of those affected have subsistence livelihoods and this will result in food shortages until gardens can be re-established.

The Solomons Government has sent a light plane to examine the area.

ENDS

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