People are being urgently evacuated and homes have been destroyed following flash flooding in the Solomon Islands’ capital of Honiara, where there has been extremely heavy rain over several days.
Around 10,000 people have been affected and a large number of homes have been destroyed after the Mataniko River broke its banks today washing away several residential areas.
Two people have been confirmed dead and the death toll is expected to rise.
Oxfam’s Solomon Islands’ Country Director Katie Greenwood said the international aid agency is on hand to assist the government’s National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to respond to the devastation.
“Oxfam has an active presence in the Solomon Islands, and we are standing ready to support the NDMO with any requests for assistance,” said Ms Greenwood.
“We are currently positioned to deliver emergency relief items such as tarpaulins, kitchen kits and hygiene kits to the worst-affected areas.
“Oxfam is also offering support to the NDMO to conduct disaster assessments of Honiara and its surrounds to determine where help is most needed at this time, and will respond accordingly.”
For interviews or more information, please contact Emma Whalan on 0418 873 782 or emmawhalan@oxfam.org.au
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