Solomon Islands: At risk communities moving to higher ground following earthquake and tidal surge

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

6 Feb 2013, Solomon Islands – Humanitarian agency World Vision is moving people to higher ground following an 8.0 earthquake and tidal surge impacting the Solomon Islands.

“Our staff in Temotu province felt the quake and within five minutes there were a number of wave surges which flooded the runway there,” says Dr Andrew Catford, World Vision Solomon Islands Country Programme Director.

According to Jared Berends, Operations Director, it is likely that several villages close to the airport have been severely impacted. “World Vision is working to confirm the extent of damage and understand the immediate humanitarian needs. More tidal surges are expected in neighbouring province Makira and the capital Honiara are reportedly at risk. World Vision is mobilising children and families to move them to higher ground.”

An 8.1 earthquake hit in 2007 killed more than 50 people. The Solomon Islands are low-lying and vulnerable to increased extreme weather conditions.

New Zealand Civil Defence has New Zealand’s north island on tsunami alert. Other Pacific nations are also on high alert.

Word Vision has been present in the Solomon Islands for more than 30 years working across five provinces on disaster risk reduction, health, education, water and sanitation and gender programmes. Projects are funded by private donors, businesses, foundations and government grants.

For more information, please contact:

Kristy Allen-Shirley
Communications Director, South Asia and Pacific Regional Office
World Vision International
+65 8222 8696
email: kristy_allen-shirley@wvi.org
skype: kristyduncan