NGOs respond to Solomon Islands tsunami

3 April 2007

Reports coming in from the Solomon Islands indicate that emergency supplies in the country are insufficient to meet the immediate needs of the people following yesterday's massive earthquake and tsunami says the Council for International Development (CID) Executive Director Rae Julian.

"We're hearing that people are in need of water, food and tents."

New Zealand-based Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are rapidly assessing needs, but this is being made difficult due to poor communications.

"It is important that all international responses are based on real needs and on what is necessary to supplement local capacity, and it is vital that the needs of women and girls are given special consideration," says Ms Julian. "Local needs and capacity are currently being assessed to ensure aid is appropriately targetted."

The 8.1 magnitude earthquake and three-metre tsunami struck Gizo and a number of other locations in Western Province, Solomon Islands, yesterday morning.

The official death toll has reached 10, but it is  likely that the toll could rise as more information comes to hand. Some reports say between 50,000 and 60,000 people have been injured.

Witnesses say buildings in Gizo have been destroyed and there has been significant destruction in villages near the town. Power is still off but telephones are working. A number of nearby islands have also been affected.

The following New Zealand-based NGOs are running appeals to assist those affected by the crisis.

Christian World Service (CWS)                                        0800 74 73 72

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand                                        0800 22 10 22

World Vision New Zealand                                              0800 800 776

ChildFund New Zealand                                                  0800 223 111

Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)            0800 4999 111