UK Provide Support Tsunami Victims at Santa Cruz

Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology

PRESS RELEASE

UK Provide Support Tsunami Victims at Santa Cruz, Temotu Province

United Kingdom has announced humanitarian support for the people of the Solomon Islands in the aftermath of the magnitude 8.0M earthquake and subsequent 1.5m tsunami wave that struck the islands on 6th February.

In a statement the UK’s support will provide 3,500 people in the Solomon Islands with emergency shelter and access to emergency water and sanitation.

The package that was offered is part of a wider humanitarian effort including support from Australia and New Zealand.

UK Minister of State for International Development Alan Duncan says “This UK support will help to alleviate the suffering of the Solomon Islanders as severe aftershocks hamper relief efforts.

Also FCO Minister Hugo Swire says “I was saddened at the loss of life and destruction in a Commonwealth partner and Realm.

“We know from past experience the terrible damage that tsunamis can reap – not just on land and houses but on the lives of those affected, “he added

The minister said by helping to fund the relief operation, the UK Government, alongside governments from across the world, is standing with the people of the Solomon Islands and attempting to speed up the recovery process for all those involved.

Meanwhile, the Director of National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Mr. Loti Yates on behalf of NDMO and Solomon Islands Government thank the people and Government of United Kingdom for the support.

He also acknowledged other parties such as donors, church organisation, business houses and individual who have given their support for the victims.

He said 7,000 people are affected, with 700 families’ homes damaged or destroyed, as many as 3,500 people temporarily displaced and with 2,300 people without water.

Mr Yates said the coordination response that was made available to the victims by relief agencies such as Save the Children, World Vision and others by the donors is through national Government which is coordinated by NDMO

He said this assistance will help the rehabilitation work that was currently on going at the devastated areas.

ENDS

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