WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing $250,000 in emergency assistance to the Solomon Islands following an earthquake and tsunami that took place on April 2nd. These funds will meet emergency relief needs for shelter, water, health, and sanitation through World Vision and other humanitarian assistance agencies.

The Government of Solomon Islands declared a state of emergency following an 8.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Honiara, the capital, earlier this week. The resulting tsunami has, to date, killed at least 21 people and displaced more than 5,400 others, according to the Solomon Islands National Disaster Council. The Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office reported that more than 900 houses have been destroyed.

USAID will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.

For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance programs, please visit: www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/.

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