Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Tsunami, 1-06-2010
On January 4 and 5, a series of earthquakes occurred off the coast of the Solomon Islands’ Western Province, including a magnitude 7.2 earthquake on January 4 that generated a tsunami. Resulting waves struck Rendova and Tetepare islands in Western Province, damaging or destroying approximately 100 to 200 homes and affecting an estimated 500 people, according to the Government of the Solomon Islands (GoSI) Solomon National Disaster Coordinating Center. Initial GoSI and humanitarian agency damage assessments also indicated that landslides following the earthquakes affected water sources on Rendova Island, and the tsunami damaged boats—a primary form of transportation—and other property on Tetepare Island.
On January 6, U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Teddy B. Taylor issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of the earthquakes and tsunami. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $75,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, to the Solomon Islands Red Cross for the provision of emergency relief supplies to affected individuals. In addition, a USAID/OFDA regional advisor visited affected areas beginning January 7 to assess humanitarian conditions and determine assistance needs.
Additional Disaster Declarations:
Solomon Islands Floods, 2-13-2009
Since January 29, heavy rains caused severe flooding and mudslides in the central provinces of Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira in the Solomon Islands. On February 5, the Government of the Solomon Islands (GOSI) declared a national disaster and formally requested U.S. Government assistance. On February 13, the GOSI National Disaster Council reported that floods had affected at least 20,000 people and damaged or destroyed homes, gardens, and other property. Estimates remained unconfirmed due to difficulties with communication and transportation to more remote areas. The Solomon Islands Red Cross Society (SIRCS) reported that floods destroyed gardens in 75 percent of surveyed communities and left half of the communities with no food supplies. According to a joint assessment conducted by the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Save the Children, and the GOSI, access to safe drinking water and sanitation remained limited.
On February 13, U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Leslie V. Rowe issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of the floods. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby to SIRCS for the distribution of relief commodities
For information on additional USAID disaster responses in the Solomon Islands, please see OFDA Annual Reports.
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