British government pledges £300,000 to help World Vision reach flash flood victims in Solomon Islands

The UK government has channeled £300,000 to children’s charity World Vision, to provide essential aid to the thousands impacted by recent flooding in the Solomon Islands.

World Vision will use the money to provide around 3,500 people with much needed temporary shelters, clean water, hygiene kits, blankets and kitchen supplies.

Thousands have found themselves in need of urgent help, after flash flooding saw homes on the Pacific island chain washed away by heavy rains.

Around 50,000 people have been affected across the Solomon Islands, with the capital, Honiara, amongst the worst hit.  At least 23 people have been killed by the extreme weather conditions, with 10,000 forced to take refuge in evacuation centers.

Lawrence Hilary, World Visions emergency repsonse manager on the islands, has warned of the threat posed by water-borne diseases after rising water levels destroyed sanitation facilities and contaminated clean water supplies.  He also noted the lack of medicine on the islands to treat the sick.

The UK governments International Development Minister, Alan Duncan, said of the contribution: “This urgent British support will help those who have lost everything, providing emergency shelter, giving them clean water to drink and helping to stop the spread of disease.”

World Vision continues to work extensively across the Solomon Islands to aid those most affected, providing emergency relief and providing the tools needed for people to start rebuilding their lives. 

Nine schools have been designated as evacuation centres servicing three
areas: East Honiara, Central Honiara and West Honiara, as part of the
response plan.
 
Four communities that World Vision assists in Honiara (Burns Creek, Lord
Howe, Sun Valley, and White River) have been affected.
 
To arrange local interviews from the Solomon Islands, please call Sarah
Wilson at the World Vision UK press team on 07557 567753 or Chris Weeks on
07515 975482.
 
• With a capital population of approximately 72,000 people, a large
proportion of people (some 20%) are in need of assistance with shelter,
food and water.

• As details of flood impact in other provinces such as Makira and Malaita
become known, the total number of population affected across the country is
likely to rise.  Initial government reports indicate some 37,000 people
outside of Honiara may be affected.
 
• World Vision anticipates that immediate needs will be food, clean
drinking water, mosquito nets, blankets, hygiene kits, clothing, cooking
utensils, bedding and temporary shelter.
 
• Additional response activities will be determined in the coming days,
once assessments can be conducted and following discussion with
the National Disaster Management Office and other aid organisations.