Red Cross assists earthquake and tsunami survivors in Solomon Islands
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) continues to assist survivors of the tsunami, which followed a powerful, 8.2 magnitude earthquake that struck on April 2 with severe aftershocks in the South Pacific.
“The situation is still very difficult. The aftershocks continued for a few days and in some places on Gizo Island, there is not enough food or water,” says the IFRC’s disaster management coordinator for the region, Martin Blackgrove. “We’re also concerned about the more remote areas, which are only accessible by boat.”
The Solomon Islands Red Cross responded immediately to the disaster, carrying out early assessments and distributing relief goods to people made homeless by the tsunami, including hurricane lamps, blankets, tarps and cooking sets, which were stored in a Red Cross warehouse in Gizo.
Aerial and ground assessments are still ongoing, and local Red Cross teams are visiting isolated areas by canoe and boat, but initial estimates indicate that over 9,000 people have been affected and 1,500 people have been left homeless. A large portion of the displaced population are living in the hills in fear of future tsunamis.
A Rapid Response Unit will be in the Solomon Islands to assist the local Red Cross with the immediate and long term needs of the survivors. The five-person team is made up of disaster management and relief specialists, as well as a water and sanitation expert. “We are still in the very early stages of this disaster, so our main focus will be on getting relief where it’s needed fast,” says Simon Missiri, the head of the International Federation’s Asia Pacific Department. “Our experience with numerous disasters has shown that recovery is a long process, which doesn’t happen overnight, and our priority right now is to meet people’s basic needs.”
Immediately following the tsunami, the IFRC released $62,000 from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to buy and transport relief supplies, and carry out assessments. The Solomon Islands Red Cross has distributed relief items including hygiene kits, mosquito nets and water containers.
The IFRC is now requesting $1-million to ensure affected communities have immediate access to safe drinking water, medical care and emergency shelter, as well as to meet the long-term needs of survivors through psychosocial support, clean water wells, hygiene promotion, and safer housing materials. The livelihoods of the survivors have been affected with destroyed fishing boats and destroyed vegetable gardens.
Canadian Red Cross is supporting this request with a contribution of $100,000 from its International Disaster Relief Fund. This fund helps accelerate our response to disasters. When a crisis occurs, funds can be accessed within 24 hours and help can be sent quickly to those who need it the most. Canadians wishing to donate to the IDRF can donate immediately online at www.redcross.ca or call 1-800-418-1111.
The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 185 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.
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