Solomon Islands flash floods damages homes and destroys livelihoods

On 3 April 2014, following days of heavy rain, river banks broke and flash flooding swept through Solomon Islands’ capital of Honiara. The steep slopes of the ridges in Honiara could not sustain the rain and landslides followed. Thousands have been left homeless, lives have been lost and livelihoods have been destroyed.

The Government of Solomon Islands declared a State of Emergency for Honiara and parts of Guadalcanal. Some 12,000 people have been affected in Honiara and initial government reports indicate some 40,000 people outside of Honiara may be affected.

World Vision is distributing relief items such as blankets, mosquito nets, clean drinking water, temporary shelter, clothing and hygiene kits to assist 3,000 people in evacuation centres. Twenty-five evacuation centres have been established in Honiara, housing almost 10,000 people. World Vision will be supporting evacuation centres with Water and Sanitation & Hygiene activities and Child Friendly Spaces.