Past Emergency appeals

Thursday, 3 May 2007

On Monday, 2 April 2007, an earthquake and tsunami devastated towns and villages in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands.

Most of the villages World Vision visited in an initial emergency assessment were deserted, almost all the people had fled to higher ground, where camps were set-up to assist the victims of the disaster.

The government of the Solomon Islands reported that 52 people died in the disaster which destroyed homes, schools and churches.

World Vision Australia launched an appeal to help those affected by the disaster. The funds enabled us to provide urgently needed relief items by boat including water tanks, tarpaulins, blankets, pots, cooking utensils and soap.

A World Vision team comprising a disaster response specialist, water specialists and a nurse, visited villages in remote rural areas to assess the most urgent needs and the extent of the damages. They set up basic hygiene facilities and conducted health assessments in the camps.

"Our first priority was to address urgent needs such as water and shelter. But we are also looking at long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation of the communities whose lives have been devastated by the disaster," said Paul Martell, Interim National Director for World Vision Pacific Development Group.

World Vision has been responding to disasters and developing communities in the Solomon Islands for more than 20 years.

Media Releases and past updates

World Vision responds to Solomon Islands disaster
3 April 2007

World Vision relief team now in Gizo
4 April 2007

Australian relief supplies arrive in Gizo
6 April 2007