Solomons Tsunami Leaves 5,000 Homeless

More than 5,000 people have been left homeless in the wake of the devastating tsunami triggered by an undersea earthquake, which hit Western and Choiseul Provinces early yesterday morning.

As of this morning, reports reaching the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in Honiara have confirmed 13 dead, 7 missing, 19 injured and over 916 homes destroyed in the affected areas in the western and choiseul provinces.

However, the number of casualties might increase as reports are still coming in from the other affected areas that have yet to establish communication links to the main control centre here in Honiara.

Since yesterday up to this morning 27 tremors have been felt in the western province, however, the strength of the tremors has subsided considerably.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has directed that all assistance from donors and NGO’s towards the disaster relief operations must be channeled through the National Disaster Council (NDC) for proper coordination.

The Prime Minister has also called on the appropriate bodies together with the NDC to immediately consider establishing a field hospital in Gizo as the Gizo hospital was badly affected by huge waves that has disrupted its operations indefinitely.

On the other hand, the Prime Minister called on the NDC to ensure swift deployment of officers on the ground in areas affected to carryout immediate assessment of damages.

The NDC yesterday has carried out an initial aerial survey of the affected areas and have confirmed extensive devastation, which prompted immediate and appropriate responses to assist victims caught in this catastrophic situation.

Relief supplies of water, food and shelter have been dispatched yesterday and the NDMO is mobilizing itself for further supplies in the coming days. Responses so far from the NGO’s and business houses have been very positive.

New Zealand and other donors have indicated their relief support however, they are awaiting official request from the Solomon Islands Government.

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Alfred Maesulia Director Government Communications Division

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