World Vision’s team in Solomon Islands is working with the government disaster response unit and have emergency relief items ready to distribute to people in the flood-affected capital, Honiara, as the country is on standby for a potential cyclone.
Consecutive days of rain caused by a tropical storm have blocked roads and flooded large parts of the capital. World Vision Solomon Islands Response Manager Lawrence Hillary said that bridges are unpassable or washed away and electricity is intermittent. Four people are confirmed dead and an unknown number are believed to be missing following flash floods in Honiara and Guadalcanal plains.
“More than 10,000 people have been affected, especially communities living near the river. We have relief items in Honiara ready for distribution to affected communities,” Mr Hillary said.
“We anticipate that immediate needs will be food, clean drinking water, temporary shelter and mosquito nets.”
The Government of Solomon Islands has activated the nation’s disaster cluster units. World Vision staff are assisting the government’s Emergency Operations Centre.
The Chinatown central business district is flooded, with reports of looting occurring overnight, and the Mataniko River banks have burst causing major flooding, affecting communities residing along the river. The Old Mataniko Bridge has collapsed and the newer Mataniko Bridge nearby is at risk of being washed away, according to the National Disaster Management Office.
“As a result of the floods, diarrhoea and lack of medicine to treat those who get sick after the floods are likely to become issues,” said Lawrence.
The National Referral Hospital is now starting to evacuate patients from the children’s and maternity wards as the sea is rising and there is erosion of the coastline. Nine schools have been designated as evacuation centres servicing three areas: East Honiara, Central Honiara and West Honiara, as part of the NDMO’s response plan.
“Four communities that World Vision assists in Honiara have been affected. Rising water levels have caused damage to houses, properties have been washed away, water is dirty and therefore not drinkable,” said Lawrence Hillary.
World Vision has been working in the Solomon Islands for 30 years. Working in partnership with communities, World Vision works programs focus on education, health care, water and sanitation, economic development, disaster risk reduction, and prevention of gender-based violence.
For an interview with World Vision staff in Solomon Islands or formore information, please contact:
Gabrielle Brophy on 0407 575 112 or gabrielle.brophy@worldvision.com.au