Solomon Islands Earthquake and Tsunami Update

Monday, April 9, 2007

 

 

Note: New content has been inserted in red, italicized, bold font.

 

Current Status

 

An 8.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Solomon Islands on Monday (April 2) at 6:40 a.m. (2040 GMT on Sunday) damaging houses and buildings and triggering a local tsunami less than 5 minutes later.  As of Sunday (April 8), the UN reports the death toll at 35 as reported by governmental authorities. However, in a press release, the Government of the Solomon Islands (GOSI) puts the official toll as of Sunday at 39. Of those, there are 20 reported deaths on Gizo, while nine deaths are reported on the island of Simbo. The GOSI and aid groups still expect the death toll to rise as more reports come in from outlying areas of Western and Choiseul provinces. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that the number of reported injuries does not appear to be rising, although there are no new figures available. However, OCHA says that the number of injured will increase at health facilities in upcoming days as displaced populations begin to return to their homes from higher ground. Most of the deaths were reported to be from Gizo town, with an estimated population of some 6,000 people. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said that the disaster could have been worse if the earthquake struck a few hours earlier in darkness. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the shallow quake, some six miles below the sea floor, was centered some 25 miles (45 km) south-southeast of the island of Gizo, New Georgia Islands in the Western Province and located some 220 miles (350 km) northwest of the capital, Honiara. The USGS said that the initial quake was followed by a second one of magnitude 6.7 around 7 minutes later, centered further west. More than 50 aftershocks have occurred since the first quake, including several of magnitude 6 or stronger, however no new damage has been reported. The Australian Seismological Centre is warning that there is a high possibility of further large quakes. According to Reuters, the International Seismological Center said that the quake was the biggest to hit the Solomons since 1900. Tsunami waves reached as high as 16 feet, and went as far inland as half a mile, according to some reports. The earthquake triggered a Pacific–wide tsunami alert, which was lifted about nine hours later (0540 GMT Monday). Some damage was also reported in neighboring Papua New Guinea (PNG), and on April 3, reports say that there were five unconfirmed deaths. OCHA reports that limited damage was caused in PNG, which includes Kangu Wharf, Buin and Torokina (Bougainville), Lae and Rossel Island (Milne Bay Province).

 

Aerial surveillance shows that the worst-affected areas in the Western and Choiseul provinces appear to be the southern coast of Gizo, Simbo Island and the central southern coast of Choiseul between Moli and Posarae and Sasamunga. The National Disaster Council (NDC) says that other affected areas include Ranogga, Shortlands, Munda, Noro, Vella la Vella, and Kolombangarra. Preliminary aerial surveys by RAMSI have not revealed any signs of widespread death in neighboring provinces. The NDC says that some 5,500 people are thought to be displaced in the worst hit areas. UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that there are at least some 1,500 displaced in 12 spontaneous camps in the vicinity of Gizo town. The World Health Organization reports another 3,000 displaced in Sasamunga. According to the Australian Red Cross, thousands more are sleeping in the open on up to 50 islands affected in the region. Despite a lessening of aftershocks, many are reportedly still afraid to come down from the hills to return to their homes. The UN says that a message system is being developed to help inform local communities that it is now safe to return to their homes. OCHA says that sanitation remains a problem in the camps. The number of affected appears to range between at least 15,000, according to the IFRC, and up to 50,000 according to the GOSI and the UN. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), estimates that up to 50,000 people may be affected out of a total population of 100,000 in Western and Choiseul provinces. UNICEF has also said that there is an estimated 50,000 people affected, out of which approximately 30,000 are children and 15,000 under the age of five. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said that recent evaluations show that at least 15,000 people have been affected by the tsunami. Reports say that enough tents have been distributed to those living outdoors in the worst-hit areas. Survivors had spent at least three nights sleeping outdoors with little or no shelter. OCHA says that the tsunami has affected the remotest parts of the islands where communications and access have always been challenges, and these factors, combined with the loss of communication systems in some areas is delaying a comprehensive assessment.

 

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) says that initial assessments indicate the “destruction was massive and widespread.” The NDMO says that the initial assessment shows 916 houses damaged in Western and Choiseul provinces. However, OCHA is reporting that the NDC puts the range from between 900-2,500 houses that have been destroyed. OCHA says the tsunami caused widespread damage to dwellings made from traditional materials, while the earthquake caused more damage to sturdily-constructed buildings as well. UNICEF is also reporting that 30 primary schools have been damaged. The Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC) is carrying out assessments in remote areas. IFRC says reliable information on the scale of the damage is still not available for all areas because of the locations of scattered, remote islands and a lack of communications. UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team says that some villages in low-lying areas have sustained the full impact of the tsunami and have been heavily affected, particularly on Gizo and Simbo, while villagers on more mountainous islands (Ranonngo, Vela, Kolombarra, Randova) have had significant damage to houses, gardens and water supplies due to landslides.

 

UNDAC team member Peter Muller says that the relief effort was running to plan, following a slow start. “There have not been any alarming issues coming up,” Muller said. The Gizo airport is operational and is serving as a hub for the stocking and distribution of supplies. OCHA says that streams and rainwater catchments are the main sources of water for the displaced communities. New water tanks have been established in Gizo town. The UN says that shops in Gizo reportedly have stocks of food, but many are not open. The market in Gizo has reportedly opened. Shops and other markets expected to open in the next few days. The UNDAC team is working with the NDMO and Red Cross to coordinate relief distribution from Gizo. OCHA says that the Shortlands, Choiseul, Rendova, Vella le Vella and the Simbo Islands have been designated as priority for the provision of relief supplies. The IFRC says that the aid operation has sped up considerably since the re-opening of the Gizo airport. Taro air strip has also been reported to be open. However, because of the length of the runway, the strip is more suitable for smaller planes but not long enough for C-130s and other larger planes. More supplies have also arrived in Munda, a three-hour boat ride away from Gizo. Most of the local fleet of canoes and other boats were reportedly destroyed in the tsunami, hampering initial relief efforts. The GOSI reported that power and telephone services in Gizo had been restored on April 3.

 

The Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC) says that some children in the campsites were beginning to experience diarrhea. Officials have also expressed concern that a shortage of safe drinking water could lead to an outbreak of other waterborne diseases. Provincial officials have warned of the potential for cholera, malaria and other diseases because of poor hygiene in the camps. While aid workers warn of the heightened risk of disease in some camps following a disaster of this sort, it is not uncommon for diseases such as diarrhea to emerge in temporary shelters, where there are possible crowded conditions, a lack of clean water, and poor or no sanitation facilities. The tsunami had knocked out water tanks and left wells contaminated by sea water. The IFRC says that some dysentery cases have been reported among the displaced, but says that cases seem to be under control. IFRC says that water purification tablets had been distributed to all camps in Gizo and a filtration system had been set up at a roadside medical center after the Gizo hospital was damaged. Work has begun to build pit toilets in the camps in an effort to help ward off disease. A UNICEF team arrived in Gizo on Sunday to implement measures aimed at preventing outbreaks of cholera and dysentery. The risk of water-borne diseases is being reduced with the distribution of water purification tablets and equipment. OCHA says that the basic health surveillance system is monitoring evidence of diarrhea-related diseases, malaria and measles. A measles and Vitamin A campaign will start next week.

 

OCHA says that public health experts are warning of the potential danger of malaria outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) is dispatching staff to provide support for malaria control. According to WHO, malaria control has improved in the Solomons in recent years; as malaria is endemic in the area, however, there is still a significant level of malaria parasitaema. Displaced people will have reduced protection, resulting in an increased risk of transmission. Also an increase in breeding sites is expected to increase the number of mosquitoes, therefore WHO expects an increased number of malaria cases. WHO says that cases are likely to begin to increase within two weeks and transmission will continue to increase over at least 2 months. The UN said that of the 50,000 affected people, some 30,000 children are “highly vulnerable” to malaria because of a lack of medical supplies and unsanitary conditions. UNICEF says that it is working to distribute medical kits, including emergency drugs, to provide immunization against measles for children aged six months to 59 months, as well as working to distribute Vitamin A supplements. Additionally, UNDAC says that no group has taken responsibility for providing psychosocial support. A five-person team from Save the Children Australia is in Gizo and has agreed to provide some help.

 

The GOSI reports that sufficient medical supplies and staff are now available to meet current needs. OCHA says that four strategic health bases have been set up in Gizo, Munda, Taro and Sassamunga. Hospital stocks from other areas have been moved to these bases. Gizo reportedly has sufficient supplies, but Taro is reportedly waiting for supplies expected shortly. The Ministry of Health, with help from UNICEF and WHO, will set up 8 emergency field hospitals, including 4 in hospitals and 4 in rural clinics. Each unit is expected to cover the medical needs of 10,000 people for three months. Confirmed locations for the hospitals include Gizo, Taro, and Sasamunda. The hospital in Gizo is reportedly damaged. UNDAC says that getting Gizo hospital up and running may be delayed because of concerns over asbestos. A temporary hospital has been set up and the badly injured have been evacuated to the capital Honiara. OCHA says that the hospital at Gizo was badly damaged by the quake but has been assessed by an engineer and is considered stable. WHO says that the health center in Gizo is currently not functioning. OCHA says that there are reports that health facilities in Taro, Sasamunga, Vella la Vella (Maravari) and Shortlands (Toumua) are also badly damaged and 50 percent of all health centers in the affected areas do not have radio coverage. Sasamunga hospital on Choiseul was also reportedly partly flooded and WHO says a number of clinics and small hospitals have been damaged. Initial reports say roughly half of rural health centers have been damaged.

 

Prime Minister Sogavare declared a national state of emergency on April 2. The government has requested international assistance. Upon a request by the GOSI on April 3, a 6-member United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team led by Joanne Laurence from Australia arrived on April 5. The UNDAC team is operating out of the NDMO headquarters in Honiara. According to UNDAC, the security situation in the islands seems to be calm and normal. According to OCHA, the GOSI is coordinating international offers of assistance through the NDMO Call Center on telephone + 677 27937.

 

Background

 

The impoverished Solomon Islands, located northeast of Australia, has a population of roughly some 550,00 people who live on some 200 remote and scattered islands in the South Pacific, many of whom live in simple palm and bamboo houses on beaches across the country. The Solomon Islands earns some money from tourism through small dive resorts, but most of the population lives on subsistence farming and fishing. The Solomon Islands lies on the “Pacific Ring of Fire” where earthquakes and volcanic activity is relatively common. Gizo town has an estimated population of some 6,000-7,000, while the island of Gizo, a popular diving and fishing spot, has an estimated population of roughly 10,000-20,000. Western Province has a population of some 62,000 people (1999). According to the USGS and World Health Organization (WHO), on July 21, 1975, a tsunami hit Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea, killing some 200 people. (OCHA, Apr. 3).

 

 

Government Response

 

Government of the Solomon Islands (GOSI) declared a State of Emergency in affected areas on Monday (April 2) and says that NDC authority will supersede any other government agencies (WHO, Apr. 3) GOSI has declared the Western and Choiseul provinces as “national disaster areas” which gives GOSI better access to private and public transportation and additional budgetary flexibility, according to OCHA. (OCHA, Apr. 4)

 

The NDC has declared priority needs as being tents, tarpaulins, food, utensils, water, containers, medical supplies, clothing and tools. (OCHA, Apr. 2) NDC has organized coordination meetings on a daily basis, with NGOs, UN and donor participation. At today’s (Thursday, April 5) meeting, there was agreement on the need for assessments and effective coordination with the UNDAC team and OCHA. (OCHA, Apr. 5) NDMO beginning to identify medium to long term needs: Establish program of assistance for the reconstruction of houses; Repair Gizo hospital; Assist communities with obtaining building materials for canoes; Planning a transition from response to recovery activities; and capacity building for communities. (UNDAC, Apr. 6)

 

Government response is coordinated by the NDC and NDMO, and is chaired by the Ministry of Home Affairs. NDC established “Action Desks” in seven areas, each with its own field work team: 1) Health, 2) Communications, 3) Media, 4) NGOs, 5) Education, 6) Supplies and Finance, and 7) Transport. (OCHA, Apr. 5)

 

NDMO team arrived from Honiara in Gizo on Saturday (April 7). The team is comprised of geologists, engineers, fire service personnel, UN specialists and NDMO officers and will work closely with the Provincial Disaster Committee and other relief organizations. The team will also conduct an assessment. (GOSI, Apr. 8)

 

NDMO is undertaking food distribution in the affected areas, and distribution is being coordinated by the Red Cross. (OCHA, Apr. 9)

 

NDMO working with UNDAC in strengthening coordination and information management. (OCHA, Apr. 9)

 

The NDMO says that its warehouse at Point Cruz wharf is available for organizations who are planning to donate relief supplies to Western and Choiseul provinces. The warehouse is open 24 hours. (GOSI, Apr. 9)

 

In a press release, the GOSI warns ships traveling between the islands in the western and Choiseul provinces to take extra precaution as there has reportedly been sightings of shallow reefs which may have been caused by the earthquake moving underwater landmass upwards towards the surface. (GOSI, Apr. 9) NDC has requested an environmental impact assessment team. (UNDAC, Apr. 8)

 

The Central Coordinating Group (CCG) is tasked by the NDC for operational issues and is led by the Chief Police Officer. The CCG has created a sub-office in Munda, the largest town in the Western province. (OCHA, Apr. 4)

 

The Deputy Police Commissioner says that three large police vessels and aircraft were distributing aid to priority areas. (AFP, Apr. 4) Two police boats arrived overnight in Gizo after reported delays in Honiara due to a shortage of relief supplies. (AP, Apr. 6)

 

GOSI says an Emergency Operations Center is now in operation in Gizo and manned by all Heads of Departments. (GOSI, Apr. 4)

 

Three search and rescue missions organized by the GOSI and the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) are underway. (OCHA, Apr. 3)

 

NDMO sending four boats with food, water and medical supplies to affected areas, including Choiseul and Shortland Islands. A sea journey can take up to 12 hours from Honiara. (OCHA, Apr. 3)

 

Three medical teams comprised of six doctors and 13 nurses are scheduled to fly Wednesday (April 4) to affected regions from Honiara. The teams will set up medical centers at Gizo, the nearby town of Munda and on Taro Island on Wednesday (April 4). (AP, Apr. 3)

 

Ministry of Health plans to set up 8 large emergency field units, 4 in hospitals and 4 in large rural clinics. Each unit can reportedly cover the needs of 10,000 people for 3 months. WHO and partners will assist 4 units, while UNICEF offered to support the 4 others. (WHO, Apr. 3) Confirmed locations for the hospitals include Gizo, Taro, and Sasamunda. (OCHA, Apr. 4)

 

MoH dispatched an initial response team on April 2 and additional staff on April 6. MoH teams are assessing supplies, human resources and equipment needs in all clinics and key health centers. Five medical teams from the Red Cross, France, Taiwan, Canada and Australia have been deployed to help support the MoH. A French military aircraft air lifted drugs and medical supplies to Gizo. MoH sent 48,000 treated bed nets to affected areas. (OCHA, Apr 8) The MoH will collaborate with and direct a French medical team to tour clinics in outlying areas (UNDAC, Apr 8)

 

A team from the malaria center of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has been dispatched to the Solomons for vector control and is being supported by WHO and funded by the Global Fund for support of malaria activities. (OCHA, Apr. 5)

 

Undersecretary for Health Services is conducting a health assessment and a report is expected by Wednesday (April 4). Prime Minister Sogavare has asked for the establishment of a field hospital in Gizo as main hospitals in Gizo and Munda are damaged. (OCHA, Apr. 3) WHO reports the Sasamunga hospital in Choiseul was partly flooded.

 

Health experts warn of potential malaria outbreaks and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community is working with the government to distribute mosquito nets, spray insecticide and distribute health information to affected people in the Western Province. (OCHA, Apr.3)

 

An additional medical and health infrastructure team comprised of GOSI and AusAID have been deployed on an Australian-chartered helicopter to assess the state of the health infrastructure. (GOA, Apr. 5)

 

National Response

 

The Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC) is carrying out assessments in remote areas. (IFRC, Apr. 5) The SIRC distributed three containers of family packs to affected areas. (OCHA, Apr. 9)

 

The Church of the Melanesia (CoM), the Anglican Church in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, is undergoing an assessment with the local Anglican Disaster Committee in Munda and Gizo. CoM staff has training and experience in trauma counseling, pastoral care, and community leadership development. CoM may respond with food, water and other relief items, before engaging in rehabilitation work. (ACT, Apr. 5)

 

Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) reports that assessment teams are visiting affected communities in Titiana, Paelonge Simbo and Ranongga. (ACT, Apr. 5)

 

 

International Response

 

United Nations

 

UNDAC says that based on current information, financial assistance from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) does not appear to be required. (UNDAC, Apr. 8)

 

A 6-member United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team led by Joanne Laurence from Australia arrived April 5. The UNDAC team consist of members from AusAID (Australia), Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (Melbourne, Australia), Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (New Zealand), OCHA and UNDSS. OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific has deployed a Humanitarian Affairs Officer from their Papua New Guinea office to join the UNDAC mission. (OCHA, Apr. 3) UNDP, UNICEF, UNDSS and WHO have deployed staff from Fiji to the Solomon Islands. (OCHA, Apr. 4) UNDAC team working out of Honiara and Gizo. Coordination meetings occurring twice daily in Gizo. The UNDAC team in Gizo, along with two TSF staff are continuing to operate a UNDAC Coordination Point jointly with the NDMO/GOSI at the Provincial Administrators Office. UNDAC and NDMO continue to operate the airport reception area to receive incoming relief teams. UNDAC will hand over reception center to NDMO over the next two days. (OCHA, Apr. 8) UNDAC in Honiara is compiling an overview of donor contributions to determine where additional funding or resources may be required. (OCHA, Apr. 8) UNDAC working with NDMO and Red Cross to coordinate relief distribution from Gizo. (UNDAC, Apr. 9)

 

UN Resident Coordinator (based in Fiji) Richard Dictus, arrived in Honiara and met with UN agencies and the NDMO. (OCHA, Apr. 9)

 

OCHA Regional Office for Asia-Pacific in Bangkok will serve as the primary point of contact with the UNDAC team. (OCHA, Apr. 5)

 

UN Disaster Management Team (UN DMT) meeting took take place Wednesday (April 4) in Suva, Fiji and UNDP, UNICEF, and WHO members from Honiara participated by teleconference. (OCHA, Apr. 4) At the UN DMT expanded meeting on Thursday (April 5), regional groups including the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), the Council of Regional Organizations in the Pacific (CROP), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) expressed willingness to support. The UN RC is expected to arrive in Honiara on April 8 and will remain for several days. RC will organize a DMT meeting in Honiara in coordination with the UNDAC team. (OCHA, Apr. 5)

 

UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) deploying one staff member to provide security coverage for the UNDAC team. (WHO, Apr. 3)

 

UNICEF: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has pre-positioned emergency medical supplies for up to 10,000 people, including ten emergency kits, five “school in a box” kits, and three recreation kits. UNICEF will also deploy it Pacific Emergency Focal Point - a trained member of the UNDAC team - to the country Tuesday. (OCHA, Apr. 2) UNICEF is requesting an initial US$500,000 to meet the urgent needs of children and women in affected areas. (UNICEF, Apr. 4) Priority action areas will include Health and Nutrition (US$220,000), Water and Environmental Sanitation (US$120,000), Education (US$120,000) and Child Protection (US$40,000). (OCHA, Apr. 5) UNICEF reports that in collaboration with partners and the authorities, the agency will assess the damage to water and sanitation infrastructure, and coordinate the distribution of water purification tablets, jerry cans, water tanks, and hygiene kits, as well as the establishment of latrines and water points as necessary. UNICEF says that it is working to distribute medical kits, including emergency drugs, to provide immunization against measles for children aged six to 59 months, as well as working to distribute Vitamin A supplements. (UNICEF, Apr. 6) UNICEF team arrived in Gizo on Sunday (April 8) to implement measures aimed at preventing outbreaks of cholera and dysentery after cases of diarrhea were reported. (AFP, Apr. 9) Additional wat/san and nutrionist staff deployed to Solomon Islands. UNICEF Emergencies Officer from Fiji expected to arrive on Tuesday. Three UNICEF Emergency health kits distributed to Sasamunga, Nila and Vonunu on April 7, with a fourth arriving on April 8. (OCHA, Apr. 7,8)

 

UNOSAT is providing support with satellite imagery of the affected areas. (OCHA, Apr. 4)

 

World Food Program (WFP) staff arrived to help support the UNDAC team. WFP will assist with coordination and information management on logistics and coordination of air assets for deployment and distribution. (UNDAC, Apr. 6)

 

World Health Organization (WHO): has offered assistance to the government and is participating in NDC meetings. The WHO country liaison officer is in contact with the Undersecretary for Health Services in coordinating the response. WHO Suva, Fiji staff has been deployed to Honiara and expected to arrive Wednesday (April 4). WHO also providing technical support and mobilizing resources for malaria control. (WHO, Apr. 3) WHO is planning to supply Emergency Health Kits in coordination with partners. (OCHA, Apr. 4) According to WHO, malaria control has improved in the Solomons in recent years, however, there is still a significant level of malaria parasitaema. Displaced people will have reduced protection, resulting in an increased risk of transmission. Also an increase in breeding sites is expected to increase the number of mosquitoes, therefore WHO expects an increased number of malaria cases. WHO says that due to the time it takes to contract and transmit malaria, and the incubation time of the parasite, it is expected that cases will begin to increase within two weeks and transmission will continue to increase over at least 2 months. (OCHA, Apr. 5)

 

 

NGOs/IOs

 

Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has local staff conducting assessments in coordination with the NDMO. ADRA has made US$10,000 available and will consider additional funding. (ADRA, Apr. 4) ADRA Australia visited Ranongga, Vella, and South Choiseul by helicopter. A team will be based at Kukundu, Kolombangara. (UNDAC, Apr. 6).

 

Asian Development Bank (ADB) staff from the ADB Pacific Department will be sent soon to assist in identifying reconstruction and rehabilitation needs. (ADB, Apr. 4)

 

There are currently 14 Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) members working in the Solomons.

 

Australian Red Cross (ARC) is sending medical equipment and at least two staff members to assist the SIRC. Also sending relief items including 300 first aid kits. AusAID has given ARC US$200,000 to provide assistance. (ARC, Apr. 4) IFRC teams of Australians and New Zealanders has also arrived, along with 60 tons of rice. (Apr. 7, ARC)

 

Caritas Australia currently undergoing an assessment.

 

Catholic Church chartered a ship for relatives in Honiara to take relief supplies to family in Simbo and Ranongga on Friday. (UNDAC, Apr. 6)

 

Church World Service will work with international response partner Action by Churches Together (ACT) to monitor the situation and explore the best routes to provide relief and recovery assistance. (CWS, Apr. 2)

 

Catholic Relief Services stands ready to commit an initial US$100,000 to aid emergency relief operations in the Solomon Islands. CRS will respond through partners Caritas Australia and Caritas Solomon Islands. (CRS, Apr. 2)

 

Council for International Development (New Zealand) says the following New Zealand-based NGOs are running appeals: Christian World Service (CWS), Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, World Vision New Zealand, ChildFund New Zealand, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Oxfam New Zealand, Rotary New Zealand and Save the Children NZ. (CID, Apr. 4)

 

Supplies have arrived from Global Medic of the Canadian Rescue Unit through Save the Children Australia chapter. (UNDAC, Apr. 6) Global Medic arrived with 550,000 water purification tablets and 10 water filtration systems for 1,500 – 1,700 people in five locations, as well as medicine kits for 30,000 people and hygiene kits for 15,000 people. (Apr. 9, AFP, UNDAC)

 

International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) says it has allocated some US$53,000 from the Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to respond to the disaster. IFRC plans to implement the operation over four months for some 5,000 people. IFRC preliminary emergency appeal is for US$819,000. (OCHA, Apr. 3) Five-member assessment team expected arrived on April 4. IFRC has also mobilized a rapid intervention team of some 10 specialists, with the support of the Red Cross Societies of Australia, France, New Zealand, and Tonga, to help provide assistance to the SIRC. (IFRC, Apr. 5) Providing 5,000 hygiene kits, 5,000 mosquito nets, 1,000 tarpaulins and 250 large tents as all SIRC stocks have been depleted. (Apr. 7, OCHA) 1,000 local RC volunteers carrying out assessments and relief distributions. (Apr. 7, ARC) Five medical teams have been deployed to support MoH from Red Cross, France, Taiwan and Australia. (OCHA, Apr. 8)

 

International Organization for Migration (IOM) deployed to the Solomon Islands. (OCHA, Apr. 3)

 

Muslim Aid has sent a team with the group, Global Medic, who will work on clean water issues. The joint team will supply portable water purification systems and distribute water purification tablets. (Muslim Aid, Apr. 4)

 

New Zealand Red Cross (NZRC) has a Field Assessment and Coordination Team (FACT) – trained staff member and an experienced WATSAN engineer on standby. NZRC has pledged $10,000 (US$7,000) to SIRC and will provide in-kind assistance of 100 family kits (self-contained kitchen sets), 50 hurricane lamps and water containers. (OCHA, Apr. 3) NZRC sent 1,000 tarpaulins, 1,000 20-liter water tanks and 100 kitchen sets to Munda on April 3. (OCHA, Apr. 4) NZRC will deploy another three staff and a communication kit. (NZRC, Apr. 4)

 

Oxfam reports that immediate needs include food, water and shelter. (OCHA, Apr. 2) Oxfam leading the disaster assessment and response team by the NDMO that includes Oxfam, UN, Red Cross and government ministries. Oxfam Australia is deploying three staff to help with relief efforts. (Oxfam, Apr. 3) Oxfam deployed two staff to undertake assessments. (OCHA, Apr. 7)

 

Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society (PNGRCS) is following up on reports that there was some damage in the seaside areas of Bougainville, which borders the northern islands of the Solomons. (IFRC, Apr. 2)

 

Salvation Army has sent a team which arrived Friday. Two officers from the Salvation Army (PNG) arrived to help with needs assessment and to recommend areas where they can provide support. (UNDAC, Apr.6)

 

Save the Children has sent a team to the Solomons along with relief supplies which arrived Friday. (SC, Apr. 4) SC was expecting thousands of water purification tablets and 10 portable water filtration units to help some 15,000 people to arrive on Friday. (The News, Apr. 6) Five-person team in Gizo has agreed to provide some support for psychosocial aspects. (UNDAC, Apr. 6) SC supporting the NDMO with office supplies. (GOSI, Apr. 6)

 

SOS staff expected to arrive on April 6 with 3 emergency GPs and a paramedic/nurse. A senior physician will arrive on April 10. The group will split into two teams with one going to Munda and the other to Taro. (OCHA, Apr 5)

 

Taiwan International Health Action has sent a team which arrived Friday. (UNDAC, Apr. 6)

 

Telecoms Sans Frontieres deploying team from Bangkok on Tuesday (April 3) to help provide telecommunications support.

 

World Council of Churches Office in the Pacific (WCC OP) with other partners is assessing the situation and funds will be requested over the next few days for an immediate response. (ACT, Apr. 5)

 

World Bank team of experts in infrastructure damage and assessment, and rural and social development will arrive next week to assist in recovery. World Bank has recently changed emergency policy to hasten deployment of experts following disasters. (WB, Apr. 5)

 

World Vision, one of the largest NGOs in the Solomon Islands, will be responding. Will look to initially address the immediate need for emergency shelter and food. Assessments will be undertaken as World Vision's major reconstruction input. (WVI, Apr. 2) WVI has appealed for US$500,000-700,000 emergency program (WVI, Apr. 4) WVI aid team has been surveying the needs of 15 villages around Gizo town - warns of outbreaks of malaria or other illnesses. WVI sending relief aid including tarps, food, water supplies, cooking utensils, mosquito nets and soap. (WVI, Apr. 6) WVI Gizo-based staff assessing remote villages. Sent 500 family kits, basic tolls and 11 water tanks to Gizo. (Apr. 7, OCHA) WVI continuing wat/san activities and assessments – wants to focus on Ranongga and Simbo, and hand over activities in Gizo to Red Cross or other party. (UNDAC, Apr. 9)

 

Foreign Governments

 

Australia: has extended over US$1.6 million (AUS$2 million) in emergency and reconstruction assistance to the Solomons. Some US$500,000 will be channeled through Caritas, the Australian Red Cross, World Vision, and Oxfam. (WHO, Apr. 3) AusAID deploying health assessment team in coordination with GOSI assessment teams, WHO and UNICEF. (OCHA, Apr. 4) Delivered wat/san, shelter and medical supplies to the Western province on April 5. (OCHA, Apr. 5) Australia says distribution of relief is underway after the arrival of its first C-130 aircraft at Munda airport on April 5. Medical supplies are targeted to reach Munda, Gizo and Taro hospitals. The two ADF primary healthcare teams left Australia on April 6. The team will be accompanied by a three-person mobile environmental health team which will focus on sanitation and disease prevention. AusAID is also sending more treated mosquito nets and clean water. (GOA, Apr. 5) AusAID health team currently assessing Gizo and Munda; several Australian doctors in Gizo, Sasamunga, Targo and Munda. (Apr. 7, OCHA)

 

Canadian medical team arrived on April 7. (Apr. 7, WVI)

 

China has provided emergency assistance in cash via the Red Cross Committee of China. No other details were reported. (Apr. 9, Red Cross Society of China)

 

European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) is deploying a regional rapid response assessment officer. (OCHA, Apr. 3)

 

Fiji will provide a cash grant of $F25,000 (US$15,000) to GOSI.

 

France sent medical team, and medical and relief supplies to Gizo by French military aircraft from New Caledonia. (OCHA, Jakarta Post, Apr. 8, 9)

 

Germany making available 50,000 euros (US$70,000). (GOG, Apr. 5)

 

Japan provided relief items worth some US$110,000 on April 4. JICA says it plans to establish a disaster relief fund for the islands. (OCHA, Apr. 5) Cargo 737 jet delivered relief supplies, including 4,000 blankets and 50 rolls of plastic sheeting. (GOSI, Apr. 8)

 

Malaysia sent Boeing 767 expected to arrive on April 7. Relief items to be confirmed. (UNDAC, Apr. 6)

 

New Zealand sent a military C-130 cargo plane with 2.5 tons of rice and other relief supplies to Munda on Wednesday (April 4). (OCHA, Apr. 4) NZAID dispatched a Hercules transport plane to Munda on April 4 with health supplies to equip an entire hospital, tarpaulins, water containers, water purifiers and blankets. 15 health workers, 7 security personnel and another 10 staff will assist with police and distribution operations. (OCHA, Apr. 5) New Zealand Defence Minister Phil Goff visited Honiara on April 9 with an air loading team (ALT) from the NZDF to assist in handling of relief supplies. (Apr. 9, GOSI)

 

Pacific Islands Forum will make available FJD$20,000 (US$12,318) from the regional Disaster Relief Fund for the Solomons. (PIF, Apr. 3)

 

Australian and New Zealand military helicopters based in the Solomons as part of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) have joined relief operations. RAMSI is providing two boats, 5 helicopters, and a fixed wing aircraft. RAMSI resources being used to evacuate the badly injured to Honiara, transport relief, and help with damage assessment. 100 additional Australian soldiers assisting. RAMSI working with GOSI to ensure coordinated response to Western and Choiseul Provinces. All Participating Police Force transport assets have deployed, and have made 22 medical evacuations from Gizo and Sasamunda. RAMSI’s military component also deployed upon request from SI Police Force (SIPF), which has supplied 20 large army tents, 500 ration packs and water purifications tablets. RAMSI is prepared to support transport needs of Australian government aid teams, as well as NGOs and the GOSI, through newly established Central Control Group. (RAMSI, Apr. 5)

 

Taiwan provided assistance of 1.5 million SBD (US$215,000), a technical team and 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) of rice to SIRC. Three-member medical team arrived in Gizo on April 8. (OCHA, Apr. 7)

 

United States will contribute US$250,000 to support relief needs. (OCHA, Apr. 4)