World Vision staff responding to massive Solomon Islands earthquake

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

International humanitarian agency World Vision is ready to respond to the magnitude-8 earthquake that rocked Solomon Islands today, and is preparing a relief response for survivors in affected areas.

World Vision staff almost 600km away in the capital Honiara felt the massive tremor and are contacting all World Vision program areas, including a Temotu Early Childhood Care and Development program on the Santa Cruz, near the epicentre. 

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami warning, and reported a 91cm tsunami hit Lata Wharf, in Santa Cruz. 

The magnitude-8 quake was followed soon after by one measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale.

World Vision Australia head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Anthea Spinks said an earthquake of that size has the potential to cause a vast amount of damage.

“I am very concerned about the impact this earthquake and tsunami may have had on the Solomons,” said Ms Spinks. “Not only could they destroy a lot of infrastructure, potentially leaving these low-lying islands isolated, but if a tsunami hits populated areas with little warning there could be a high death toll.” 

World Vision is working to assess the situation and will respond quickly to assist people affected by the earthquake and tsunami. World Vision Australia runs 16 development projects in Solomon Islands. 

Prepositioned relief supplies and goods are already in the country as it is prone to natural disasters. 

As a child focused organisation, World Vision is particularly concerned with the welfare of children. When emergencies occur, children are often the most vulnerable to injury, exploitation, abuse and separation from caregivers. Child-friendly spaces are one way that World Vision can prioritise the care and protection of children in an emergency.

To donate to the Emergency Preparedness Fund, which helps World Vision respond to disasters, call 13 32 40 or go to www.worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Emergencies, Asia and the Pacific, Disaster relief, Earthquake, Solomon Islands, Typhoon

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