Australia and New Zealand Support Guadalcanal Provincial Disaster Management Office Earthquake Response

Friday, December 16, 2016


Handing over the relief supplies. Photo: Langi Ally Pitia/World Vision

The governments of Australia and New Zealand, through World Vision are supporting the Guadalcanal Provincial Disaster Management Office to deploy an assessment and response team to East Guadalcanal, the Weather Coast area, following Friday’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

Initial reports have confirmed one fatality and up to 1200 people have been affected on Guadalcanal, although the full impact of the disaster will not be known until after the assessment.

Responding to a request from the Guadalcanal Provincial Disaster Management Office, on December 14, World Vision yesterday handed over relief supplies. This included tarpaulins from the Australian Government; hygiene kits from the New Zealand Government; blankets from the New Zealand Government and World Vision New Zealand and kitchen sets from World Vision Australia.

Disaster response team packing the NFIs (Non Food Items) for earthquake areas in East Guadalcanal/Marau. Photo: Langi Ally Pitia/World Vision

Australia is committed to supporting the Solomon Islands Government and we are keen to work together to help in the recovery process,” said Michael Hassett, Charge D'Affaires of the Australian High Commission to the Solomon Islands, who was speaking at the handing over ceremony.

“The rains have started in Guadalcanal so reaching families affected by the earthquake with shelter assistance is particularly urgent,” said Janes Ginting, World Vision Solomon Islands Country Director.

"The Solomon Islands Government is doing a good job in coordinating the response, and sharing details of what is happening. We wish you good luck for the upcoming assessments and distribution in Guadalcanal,” said Tim Breese, New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands.   

A quick handover thankyou speech from the Guadalcanal provincial disaster officer, Herrick Savusi (with the green collar shirt) to the donors and partner. Photo: Langi Ally Pitia/World Vision

As part of the request from the Guadalcanal Provincial Disaster Management Office, World Vision is providing logistics support including a vehicle, an outboard motor boat and personnel as well as the support from partners in 15 communities where World Vision operates.

For more information, or for an interview please contact:
Evan Wasuka
Communications Manager
Mobile – +6777653339
mail – evan.wasuka@wvi.org
Skype – evan.wasuka1