Australia is helping Solomon Islands to recover and rebuild after a magnitude 8 earthquake and tsunami hit the remote Santa Cruz Islands on 6 February 2013.
Australia will deliver an additional $700,000 in funding to Solomon Islands this week following an initial contribution of $300,000. This brings Australia’s total support in response to the disaster to $1 million.
The announcement of additional funding includes $500,000 to four non-government organisations in Solomon Islands including World Vision, Oxfam, Save the Children and the Adventist Development Relief Agency to replenish emergency supplies of food, water and shelter and to provide counselling to affected communities.
$200,000 will be provided to the Solomon Islands Government to support wharf and water supply repairs, transport of relief supplies and to replenish the National Disaster Management Office’s emergency relief supplies.
Australia’s thoughts remain with communities impacted by the disaster, which affected more than 3,000 people and killed 10 people.
Australia will continue to work with the Solomon Islands Government and non-government organisations to support emergency relief and assist with longer term recovery work. This includes looking after the health and wellbeing of communities, especially children.
AusAID is discussing the region’s longer-term recovery and planning needs with the Solomon Island’s National Disaster Management Office.
Australia’s initial aid contribution of $300,000 included $50,000 to the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office for aircraft, fuel and logistical support, and $250,000 to the Solomon Islands Red Cross to deliver emergency supplies.
Australian assistance also included aerial reconnaissance by a Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules to assist in directing relief efforts and fuel for a Solomon Islands patrol boat to carry medical supplies, tarpaulins, food and water to affected communities.