PRESS RELEASE 02/04/07GH
Gov’t Yet To Declare Western Solomons A ‘Disaster Area’
The Tsunami hit Western Solomon Islands is yet to be declared a ‘Disaster Area’ as the government is waiting for
assessment reports from a team dispatched yesterday to the affected areas.
The government, through the National Disaster Council (NDC) dispatched an assessment team comprising line Ministries
linked to disaster relief and assessment to carry out aerial surveillance of the affected areas.
Julian Makaa of NDC said two police patrol boats left Honiara yesterday with relief supplies including shelter, water
and food.
Three more boats are expected to leave with relief supplies as well as another assessment team.
Part of the first team stayed overnight at Balalae in the Shortlands to assess damages there and will move to other
areas today.
“Any declaration of the area being a Disaster area will be made after the reports by the assessors have been given to
the Council,” Mr Makaa said.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday assured victims that the Cabinet will decide on further assistance as soon as
a full assessment report is presented.
End///