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