GOV’T CONTINUE WITH FLOOD AFTERMATH RELIEF SUPPORT

The Matanikau river few days after it has flooded. Photo credit: SIBC.

An estimated 52-thousand people remain affected in the worst-hit areas of Honiara and greater Guadalcanal following last week’s devastating floods which killed at least 23 people.

The floods had caused severe damage to infrastructure and properties including 41 schools in flood stricken areas.

The National Disaster Management Office with support from humanitarian organizations, donors and NGO’s have set up 24 operational evacuation centres sheltering over 9,000 people.

Authorities have also reported signs of disease outbreaks beginning to emerge in evacuation centres, particularly among children.

The Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations are working together to support the Government in managing evacuation centres and distributing relief supplies.

An evacuation centre plan has been developed to guide shelter management while a response plan is currently being drafted.

Meanwhile, international assistance is starting to arrive in Honiara from donor countries.