Solomon Islands Earthquake and Tsunami Update

Monday, April 16, 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 damaging local tsunami less than 5 minutes later.  The UN reports that the official death toll figure has been increased to 40. Four more death cases are being investigated. Six people are still declared missing. 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. Aftershocks continue across the region, although frequency and magnitude are decreasing. Government seismologists said that the possibility of another major earthquake in the western Solomon Islands is very unlikely. 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 reports say there were five unconfirmed deaths. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that limited damage was caused in Kangu Wharf, Buin and Torokina (Bougainville), Lae and Rossel Island (Milne Bay Province).

 

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.

 

The Ministry of Health (MOH) completed assessment of 14 villages in Choiseul, Simbo, Shortland, Ranongga and Vella La Vella islands. In Choiseul, a temporary health clinic is run in Sasamunga village (population: 3,000) as the local health facility has been destroyed by the tsunami. Cases of pneumonia, diarrhoea and wound sepsis among children were recorded and the local water supply is damaged. Malaria is also becoming an issue as most of the tsunami victims do not have bed nets. In Samasunga and Posarae villages, the residents are camping in the high ground and are afraid to resume agricultural work and fishing. Villagers fetch water from local streams. Sanitation situation was inadequate in both locations. Both communities camp out under plastic sheets. Residents of Sasumunga were in need of additional food assistance.

 

OCHA reports that in Ranongga Island, the MOH assessment team registered cases of malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia, especially among victims camping in higher ground. Residents of four villages assessed were found living in the high ground and unwilling to return home due to fears of another tsunami. The clinics in Lale and Pienuna villages were destroyed by the tsunami, forcing the medical staff to see their patients in makeshift conditions. Two functioning clinics (Mondo and Koriovuku) had very limited supply of drugs. All assessed communities did not have a safe water supply or adequate sanitation. Plastic sheeting was generally available, with the exemption of Mondo village. Some villages requested additional food assistance.

 

The UN says that in Vella La Vella island, the MOH team assessed five villages. Diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, scabies, pneumonia and ARI were registered, especially among the children. In two villages (Varese and Boro), population resides in high ground. All assessed communities are still afraid of another earthquake and tsunami. Three clinics functioning in the area recorded shortages of drugs and ORS sachets. Like on other islands, the population uses plastic sheets for shelter, although at least in two villages (Boro and Sambora) many tsunami victims lived without any shelter materials. Shortage of bed nets was recorded in almost all locations. At least two villages (Boro and Vonunu) required additional supply of food, OCHA reported.

 

OCHA also reported that the MOH team also assessed Toumoa villages in the Shortland islands. The local clinic and water supply was destroyed, and the population was found living in open spaces and in a partially built church. Damage to livelihoods in the islands was lower then in the islands closer to the earthquake’s epicenter. OCHA reports approximately 95% of gardens on the outer islands are undamaged.

 

According to the UN, the latest GOSI estimates put the number of households affected at 475. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) had said that between 900-2,500 houses have been destroyed in Western and Choiseul provinces. OCHA says the tsunami caused widespread damage to dwellings made from traditional materials, while the earthquake caused more damage to sturdily-constructed buildings. UNICEF reported that 30 primary schools have been damaged. 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

 

OCHA said Wednesday (April 11) that the number of affected populations is estimated at 9,000. Earlier reports indicated 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 out of a total population of 100,000 in Western and Choiseul provinces. UNICEF had also says that out of the people affected, approximately 30,000 are children and 15,000 of those are under the age of five. The NDC says that some 5,500 people are thought to be displaced in the worst hit areas. OCHA estimates that there are at least some 1,500 displaced in 12 spontaneous camps in the vicinity of Gizo town. Despite a lessening of aftershocks, many are reportedly still afraid to come down from the hills to return to their homes. The UN says trauma counseling may be another area requiring increased attention. 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. Messages are being broadcast through the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC), encouraging people to return.

 

OCHA reports that tsunami - affected communities are reportedly slowly resuming their day - to - day routine, although return to the villages located at the seashore is very slow. Residents of the worst - affected areas are likely to remain in the IDP camps longer than it was initially expected. Some displaced consider building their houses in less vulnerable locations, which may result in land disputes. Shelter remains a key challenge. UNICEF, based on its assessment of IDP camps, warned that the health situation may deteriorate unless urgent action is undertaken. The GOSI said that the emergency phase of the relief operation was complete as of Friday (April 13) and that the focus was now moving towards rehabilitation. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said that food was no longer a major issue as most gardens were intact and that what survivors most needed was help in rebuilding their lives. The Gizo airport serves as a hub for the stocking and distribution of supplies. 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.

 

Red Cross handed over food distribution to the GOSI on Friday (April 13). Red Cross will focus on the distribution of non food items. The Red Cross reports there is enough food overall in affected communities. In the Shortland islands and other communities, OCHA reports that the tsunami destroyed reefs and fishing grounds that provided livelihoods. OCHA says provision of fishing canoes is one of the main needs, and tinned fish may need to be distributed until fishing resumes. UN and Red Cross reporting scarcity of water is a problem especially in areas affected by landslides or areas that have experienced a drop or rise in the landmass due to the earthquake. UNDAC says that in most cases it would be better to look for new water sources rather than rehabilitate existing ones. Water tanks and pipes in Gizo require urgent repair. Water distribution to the displaced remains a problem because of distances from sources and camps. OCHA says that streams and rainwater catchments are the main sources of water for the displaced communities and that in some areas the tsunami polluted local rivers.

 

The UN says that stagnant water, contamination of water sources, poor sanitation and limited access to health facilities are heightening the risk of malaria, diarrheal and respiratory diseases. Reports of new diarrhea and possible pertussis cases have been received, although levels do not reach emergency threshold. However, the UN reports that communicable diseases are under control, with only a few cases of diarrhea being reported. The Red Cross reported back from visits to the outer islands and says that general health appears satisfactory. However, the UN says that medical assistance and medication is still needed in the camps. The IFRC says that some dysentery cases had been reported among the displaced, but says that cases seem to be under control. The risk of water-borne diseases is being reduced with the distribution of water purification tablets and equipment. Pit latrines are being constructed by affected communities.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) is dispatching staff to provide support for malaria control. The MoH has a surveillance system in place to monitor for outbreaks of malaria. WHO says that malaria cases are likely to begin to increase within two weeks and transmission will continue to increase over at least 2 months. UNICEF and WHO are preparing additional distribution of anti-malarial drugs. 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. A measles vaccination campaign by UNICEF, WHO and the MoH is planned for April 16.

 

The GOSI reports that sufficient medical supplies and staff are now available to meet current needs. Continuous rains have forced the makeshift hospital on Gizo Hill to relocate to a wing of Gizo hospital. In Sassamunga (Choiseul island), the hospital and medical clinic is badly damaged; medical debris and hazardous material have reportedly contaminated the local water source. OCHA says that four strategic health bases have been set up in Gizo, Munda, Taro and Sassamunga. 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 Sasamunga. A basic health care unit was established in Sasamunga. Repair of the Gizo hospital is ongoing, OCHA says it should be operational soon.

 

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is leading a high level delegation on a 6-day visit to Western and Choiseul provinces this week, which started Sunday (April 15). On his visit, Sogavare said the GOSI will be talking to donors about long-term rehabilitation programs, and that the government is considering resettling residents in coastal areas and small low-lying islands. He also said that the disaster highlighted the importance of reviewing the country’s national disaster preparedness plan. Sogavare says a group from the Asian Development Bank was in the country to study the impact the tsunami would have on the national economy. Technical experts from the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Resources, and health and sanitation experts are accompanying him. (GOSI, Apr. 12) Sogavare has announced that April 23 would be a public holiday to remember those affected by the disaster.

 

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. NDMO and UNDAC team are developing an exit strategy for the UNDAC team, which is due to leave on April 19. 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) (WHO, Apr. 3) GOSI declared the Western and Choiseul provinces as “national disaster areas.” (OCHA, Apr. 4) The GOSI said that the emergency phase of the relief operation was complete as of Friday (April 13) and that the focus was now moving towards rehabilitation.

 

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)

 

A Donor meeting was held at the NDMO on April 14, chaired by the NDC Chairman Fred Fakari’i. Prime Minister Sogavare will brief the Donor Group upon his return from a visit to tsunami - affected areas. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

The Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC) Secretariat in Gizo confirmed it will lead the coordination of the relief effort, with support from the NDC and NDMO. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

The frequency of inter - agency coordination meetings has been reduced to one a day. Transition arrangements are being put in place to transition all coordination functions to the GoSI before the Gizo - based UNDAC Team departs for Honiara on 16 April. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

The Technical Advisory Team (TAT) met under the chairmanship of Jane Waetara, Permanent Secretary, Development Planning, on 14 April. The TAT will develop a Recovery Action Plan for the Western and Choiseul provinces, in cooperation with UNDP. The TAT established subcommittees on Water and Sanitation, Shelter, Education, Infrastructure, Agriculture (food security) and Communications. The next TAT meeting will take place on 16 April.

 

NDMO and UNDAC team are developing an exit strategy for the UNDAC team due to leave on April 19. (OCHA, Apr. 13)

 

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)

 

GOSI says an Emergency Operations Center is now in operation in Gizo and manned by all Heads of Departments. (GOSI, Apr. 4) The core-coordinating team, or JCCT, is made up of NDMO, UNDAC and Western Province Disaster Council staff. The JCCT is the main body operating out from the Emergency Operation Centre in Gizo. (GOSI, Apr. 13)

 

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 NDMO is creating a database of key indicators from assessments carried out by various agencies. The database will provide a more comprehensive view of needs of the affected. (OCHA, Apr. 13)

 

Information on the latest cash donations and pledges is being consolidated and forwarded to the NDC. The information will be forwarded to the Parliament, outlining any shortfalls, and the identification of any needs. (UNDAC, Apr. 10)

 

A joint NDMO – UNDAC study into the overall situation covering Western and Choiseul provinces, is being conducted. The information will be developed into a matrix table that will give a clear indication of needs and priorities. (UNDAC, Apr. 10) A joint NDMO – UNDAC team has developed a template for tracking the movement of the goods and services coming into Honiara, and the onward movement of these goods and services out of Honiara. (UNDAC, Apr. 10)

 

UNDAC says a logistics coordination group has been created and key actors in charge of warehouse logistics, aviation and marine sectors, including the NGO action desk and NDMO officers are part of this group. (UNDAC, Apr. 10) NDMO has taken over from UNDAC the management of the reception center at Honiara International Airport. (OCHA, Apr. 12)

 

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)

 

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)

 

The Deputy Police Commissioner says that three large police vessels and aircraft were distributing aid to priority areas. (AFP, Apr. 4) Two barges have joined police boats that have been delivering or loading supplies around the clock.

 

Ministry of Health (MoH) 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. Confirmed locations for the hospitals include Gizo, Taro, and Sasamunda. (OCHA, Apr. 4)

 

Psychosocial Meeting was held on Thursday (April 12) with representatives from WHO, UNICEF, Save the Children (SCF), the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, UNIFEM, NZAID and UNDAC in attendance. The group discussed implementation of psychosocial support projects in the affected areas. (OCHA, Apr. 13)

 

MoH dispatched an initial response team on April 2 and additional staff on April 6. Five medical teams from the Red Cross, France, Taiwan, Canada and Australia have been deployed to help support the MoH. (OCHA, Apr 8) The MoH will collaborate with and direct a French medical team to tour clinics in outlying areas (UNDAC, Apr 8)

 

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) 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)

 

 

National Response

 

The Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC) is shipping NFIs (200 tarpaulins, 20 tents, 1000 kitchen sets, 1000 hygiene sets) to the tsunami - affected areas. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

A separate supply of NFIs was sent by the Church of Melanesia. “Lauru People Association” is working on restoration of telecommunication facilities in the Choiseul Island. “SWIM Solomon Islands” is providing assistance in housing reconstruction in Ringi Cove, Kolombangara and Titiana. “Aba Store” donated food valued over $22,000 for affected communities in the Choiseul Island. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

OCHA says the relief effort is being supported by the local business community and NGOs. Solomon Kitano Mendana sent US$70,000 worth of food to Gizo hospital staff and patients. Ngalibiu Tsunami Fundraising Committee raised US$700. Solomon Airlines allocated flights for emergency workers. ANZ Bank Honiara, through Save the Children, supported the NDMO Honiara office. (OCHA, Apr. 10)

 

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 may respond with food, water and other relief items, before engaging in rehabilitation work. (ACT, Apr. 5)

 

The Malaita Women’s Development Office in Auki is collecting donations. (GOSI, Apr. 12)

 

The Salesians of Don Bosco dispatched a ship from Honiara to Simbo and Ranongga with water, three 3,000-liter water tanks, 60 bales of mixed clothing, 1,000 treated mosquito bed nets, 1,000kg of rice, canned fish and other assorted food items. Panatina Chemists donated $10,000 for the relief efforts. (OCHA, Apr. 12)

 

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

 

United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC): NDMO and UNDAC are developing exit strategy for UNDAC, which is due to depart from Solomon Islands on April 19. UNDAC field team in Gizo will return to Honiara on April 16. (OCHA, Apr. 12) Frequency of inter-agency coordination meetings has been reduced to one a day as relief operations begin to wind down. Transition to appropriate GoSI agency beginning before Gizo-based UNDAC team departs for Honiara on April 16. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

UN Resident Coordinator (based in Fiji) Richard Dictus liaising with NDC and NDMO and donors.

 

UNICEF requesting an initial US$500,000 to meet the urgent needs of children and women. (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 and WHO supporting MOH in preparing measles vaccination campaign. Nurses to implement vaccination and Vitamin A campaign to be deployed on April 16 and 18. Donated 1,000 ORS sachets and 6,000 bars of soap. UNICEF and other agencies preparing community mobilization campaign on wat/san. (OCHA, Apr. 12)

 

UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Samoa offered assistance in agriculture and fisheries sector. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

World Health Organization (WHO): According to WHO, malaria control has improved in the Solomons in recent years, however, there is still a significant level of malaria parasitaema. (OCHA, Apr. 5) Reports that malaria field teams continue spraying for vector control and distributing bednets. Deployed additional expert to assist WHO response. (OCHA, Apr. 10) UNICEF and WHO supporting MOH in preparing measles vaccination campaign. (OCHA, Apr. 12)

 

NGOs/IOs

 

Action by Churches Together (ACT) sent US$48,140 for implementing partners, Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA), United Church in the Solomon Islands and Church of Melanesia. Implementing partner World Council of Churches Office in the Pacific (WCCOP) plans to assist total of 100 families with food parcels sufficient for one month. Other relief to be distributed in affected areas as need arises. (ACT, Apr. 12)

 

Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) distributing relief to approximately 1,000 people in coastal areas of Choiseul, Ranongga and Vella La Vella islands. Assessing long-term needs for rehabilitation. (ADRA, Apr. 10)

 

Asian Development Bank (ADB): GoSI requested ADB to coordinate infrastructure rehabilitation in cooperation with JICA and NZAID. (OCHA, Apr. 14) Cooperating with UN and other agencies. Prepared early assessment of infrastructure damage, in particular roads, bridges and wharfs – 26 bridges in Choiseul and 8 in Gizo, as well as 30 km of roads need to be replaced. (ADB, Apr. 16)

 

Caritas trained trauma counseling teams in Guadalcanal and Malaita – six teams trained in gender issues and children will be arriving April 14. (UNDAC, Apr. 10) Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand funded reconstruction of water tanks, health/education infrastructure and trauma counseling through local churches in Gizo. (OCHA, Apr. 10)

 

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)

 

Global Medic dispatched 100,000 ORS sachets and 1.4 million water purification tablet to Honiara for distribution by SCF. SCF, in partnership with Global Medic and Muslim Aid, is installing 10 water filtration systems in affected villages. (OCHA, Apr. 10) Joint team from SCF Australia, Muslim Aid Australia and Global Medic has restored water to Munda and Gizo hospitals. (OCHA, Apr. 11)

 

Global Fund sent 48,000 mosquito nets to GoSI. (OCHA, Apr. 12)

 

Habitat for Humanity Australia has offered assistance in permanent housing solutions. (OCHA, Apr. 11)

 

International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) preliminary emergency appeal is for US$819,000 to assist 5,000. Coverage is at 48%. (OCHA, Apr. 10) IFRC compiling long-term recovery projects in wat/san and considering supporting housing reconstruction. (OCHA, Apr. 11) Red Cross Secretary General Charles Kelly said that so far, US$43,000 has been spent on the relief effort. (RNZI, Apr. 12)

 

International Tsunami Survey Team (ITST) arrived for early assessment of tsunami and earthquake impact. (OCHA, Apr. 11)

 

Muslim Aid: SCF, in partnership with Global Medic and Muslim Aid, installing 10 water filtration systems in affected villages. (OCHA, Apr. 10) Joint team from SCF Australia, Muslim Aid Australia and Global Medic has restored water to Munda and Gizo hospitals. (OCHA, Apr. 11)

 

New Zealand Red Cross dispatched three international staff (Water Sanitation Engineer, Media Liaison Officer, and Field Assessment Coordinator) and telecommunication equipment to assist SIRC. (OCHA, Apr. 10) Staff coordinating relief supplies arrival and needs assessments in 400 villages in Western Province. (NZRC, Apr. 11)

 

Oxfam assisting in supplying water to camps and working closely with SCF. Sanitation is Oxfam’s main focus. Surveying and supporting shelter and reconstruction for IDPs. Planning to conduct livelihood assessments. (Oxfam, Apr. 10) Oxfam and SCF are carrying out distribution of drinking water in IDP camps. (OCHA, Apr. 12) Oxfam-led construction of latrines in IDP camps near Gizo delayed by unavailability of trucks. Only 20 completed – 140 more needed. Also stepping up hygiene promotion activities. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

Save the Children taking over coordination with national NGOs per UNDAC. (OCHA, Apr. 10) SCF Australia deployed members to Gizo for trauma counseling. (GOSI, Apr. 11) SCF distributed basic medicines and water purification tablets to four villages and camps in Munda, Rendavo and Vella Lavella. SCF Australia set up mobile distribution point for over 1,500 people in Gizo. Mobile water supply systems installed in Munda for 2,700; potable systems established in Rendova island; and sea-based water distribution by boat established for affected people in Rendova Harbor and Mandale. (OCHA, Apr. 11) Oxfam and SCF are carrying out distribution of drinking water in IDP camps. (OCHA, Apr. 12) SCF Australia providing trauma counseling to Gizo in collaboration with Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

SOS: Joint AUSAID and international SOS health team traveled to Shortlands Islands in April 12 and reported many structures destroyed, including main clinic – some villages largely deserted with most residents living on higher grounds. Significant risk of diarrhea, respiratory disease and malaria remains. (GOSI, Apr. 13)

 

Telecoms Sans Frontieres providing telecommunications support to UNDAC in Honiara and Gizo. Running humanitarian calling operations for affected civilians. This is the sixth deployment of TSF with UN since signing an agreement with OCHA and UNICEF on May 2006. (TSF, Apr. 12)

 

World Bank team of experts in infrastructure damage and assessment, and rural and social development will arrive this week to assist in recovery. (WB, Apr. 10)

 

World Vision appealed for US$500,000-700,000 emergency program (WVI, Apr. 4) Distributed NFIs (including shelter items) for 800 people on Simbo island. Carrying out wat/san activities in Ranongga, Simbo and Gizo. (OCHA, Apr. 12) Dispatched supply of food and assorted NFIs to affected areas. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

Foreign Governments

 

Australia providing assistance of around US$3 million. Six Australian medical teams in all affected areas. AusAID continuing liaison between RAMSI and NGOs. ADF providing medical personnel and water treatment to Barisi, Sambura and two other locations. (UNDAC, Apr. 10) ADF set up medical center in Sasamungga. ADF environmental assessment following up on issue of medical waste contaminating the local water source. (OCHA, Apr. 12) Joint AUSAID and international SOS health team traveled to Shortlands Islands in April 12 and reported many structures destroyed. Significant risk of diarrhea, respiratory disease and malaria remains. (GOSI, Apr. 13)

 

France: French/Casa plane is now in Honiara, freighting items three times a day for the next five days. (IFRC, Apr. 10) French Detachment Support team provided air transportation for over 16 tons of rice, medicines, vegetables and other supplies on 7-11 April 2007. (OCHA, Apr. 10)

 

Japan decided to extend its assistance to affected areas to US$500,000. (GOSI, Apr. 10) Dispatched three engineers specializing in earthquake airstrip assessment. Yamaha Motor sent six boats, three of which are for the Western Province Assembly, Gizo Hospital and World Vision International, as well as a personnel manager and boat technician. (OCHA, Apr. 10) Japan-based Sumitomo Metal Mining Company mining firm doing prospecting work in SI has donated US$50,000. (Solomon Star, Apr. 12) GoSI requested ADB to coordinate infrastructure rehabilitation in cooperation with JICA and NZAID. Japan to dispatch technical team to identify urgent reconstruction needs. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

New Zealand: Two Air Load teams, consisting of 3 RNZDF personnel have arrived in Honiara – will assist in distribution of relief until April 15. (OCHA, Apr. 9) Focus of New Zealand’s response moving towards recovery and reconstruction. (OCHA, Apr. 13) New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules transported x-ray machine, 100 shelter kits and other supplies on April 15 to Munda – third and final relief flight by NZDF. Aircraft loading team will return to New Zealand on the plane on April 16. Contingent of 43 New Zealand regular and territorial force soldiers will remain in support of RAMSI. GoSI requested ADB to coordinate infrastructure rehabilitation in cooperation with JICA and NZAID. (OCHA, Apr. 14; GONZ, Apr. 16)

 

Papua New Guinea delivered relief supplies via two planes. (OCHA, Apr. 11) Interim government of neighboring autonomous PNG province of Bougainville donated cash assistance of SBD$120,000 (US$17,200) to GoSI. (GoSI, Apr. 13) Trauma counseling team from PNG expected to arrive on April 15. (OCHA, Apr. 14)

 

Australian and New Zealand military personnel based in the Solomons as part of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) phased out helicopter support between April 12 to 14. (OCHA, Apr. 12) All Participating Police Force transport assets deployed. RAMSI’s military component also deployed upon request from SI Police Force (SIPF). (RAMSI, Apr. 5) Police boats conducting major runs. (GOSI, Apr. 11) Contingent of 43 New Zealand regular and territorial force soldiers will remain in support of RAMSI. (GONZ, Apr. 16)

 

South Korea donated US$70,000 (SBD$ 525,000) to GoSI. (GoSI, Apr. 16)

 

Taiwan mobilized Taiwanese carrier boat from Honiara to send relief supplies (including food) and 3-person medical team to Gizo with medical kits. (GOSI, Apr. 11)

 

Turkey donated US$100,000 to the NDC. (OCHA, Apr. 10)

 

United Kingdom: British High commission provided US$250,000 for relief supplies. (OCHA, Apr. 11) UK also plans to contribute towards development project for long-term recovery. (GoSI, Apr. 13)

 

United States will contribute US$250,000 to support relief needs. USAID/OFDA provided US$50,000 to World Vision through the US Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, for immediate relief needs. US$200,000 was given for emergency shelter, wat/san, and health through humanitarian organizations working in the affected areas, in consultation with USAID/OFDA regional office in Bangkok, Thailand and US Embassy in Port Moresby. (USAID, Apr. 5) US military will provide air transportation to tsunami-affected areas through two helicopters. (OCHA, Apr. 12) USNS Stockham military ship reportedly anchored off Gizo with relief supplies – will assist in distributing aid to local communities and is assessing situation on the ground as efforts move to recovery. (Xinhua, Apr. 12) USNS Stockham responded to distress call from Taiwanese fishing vessel Yun Fa Zoi that was carrying Red Cross members and injured to Gizo, and ran aground on a reef. Will facilitate US DOD and NGOs in assessment of potential humanitarian assistance operations. The ship is one of 16 Maritime Pre-Positioning ships and is part of the Military Sealift Command’s Pre-Positioning Program. (GoSI, Apr. 16)

 

Vanuatu: SI Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare received nearly SBD$500,000 (US$71,700) total from former Vanuatu Prime Minister Barak Sope and retired Australian Army general Les Mechtler, who also resides in Vanuatu. (GOSI, Apr. 12)