Initial reports are that 16 people have died, thousands of people have been evacuated and hundreds of homes have been destroyed in flash flooding in the Solomon Islands’ capital of Honiara, where there has been extremely heavy rain over several days.
Initial reports are that 16 people have died, thousands of people have been evacuated and hundreds of homes have been destroyed in flash flooding in the Solomon Islands’ capital of Honiara, where there has been extremely heavy rain over several days.
The Mataniko River broke its banks, washing away several residential areas. Infrastructure has been destroyed, the hospital has been evacuated and heavy rain is still falling.
Oxfam is poised to respond. The organisation’s Country Director Katie Greenwood said, “This is unprecedented, and I’ve seen earthquakes and tsunamis and other very bad flooding incidents. But this flash flooding is unlike anything that I’ve seen previously here in the country.”
Oxfam has humanitarian supplies pre-positioned in the area and staff in Honiara are all accounted for. They are currently assessing the most vital needs for surrounding communities, which are likely to include fresh water, temporary shelter and hygiene kits.
