SOLOMON ISLANDS TSUNAMI UPDATE

We are happy to be able to report that things are now coming together after the terrible events of the earthquake and tsunami.

Even so, the news is not all good. Although the official death toll stands at around 40, the unofficial one is over 50, and there are still more reported missing, presumed drowned. The final toll could exceed 100. In the Gizo and surrounding areas, people have been living in tents or under tarpaulins, because houses have been destroyed. Many villages are completely wiped out, and people are wondering whether they will ever rebuild there or not. Simbo Island people at this time have no plans to remain on the island. The island has dropped by about two metres, while nearby Ranonga Island has lifted by a similar amount, and many underwater reefs are now permanently exposed. This in turn generates fear, because people think the water level has dropped and they are expecting it to come rushing in again.

Emergency aid has been distributed to every village, though because of outlying regions and lack of suitable transport facilities, some of it took almost a week to reach them.

The next stage is restoring people to daily living, and this will mean the provision and distribution of other living necessities, such as clothing, linens, mattresses, kitchen utensils, sanitary and cleaning items etc. When that is done, the bigger tasks of rebuilding and repairing will begin. Roads, wharves, bridges, airports, health facilities all have been affected, and need to be restored quickly. Housing and schools will follow. Trauma and grief counseling is still a high priority, as is working with children who have been affected by loss or injury. Machi is still working at the National Disaster Management Office, coordinating the work of all the NGO’s that are involved in relief work. Grace Vaate, from Blenheim in New Zealand, who planned to be with us for a week has extended her stay to about weeks. She is assisting Machi and others in the National Disaster Office, and loving it. They both expect to be there for at least another 2 weeks.

Jack has returned from the affected area last Thursday. He has assessed an area in the Western Province where our man John Marshal is. It is not a pretty sight, and we are evaluating how best to assist the affected people in the rebuilding process.

While we are grateful that there is enough food, medical and emergency relief, the bigger challenges will be to replace water tanks, sanitation services, housing etc, and this will take a longer time. Donations to assist in this way may be made via SWIM, and we will ensure that all gifts are well channeled, used and reported. Please contact our Australian administrator for details on admin@crca.org.au.

Please continue to pray for the thousands of people who are still homeless and living in degrees of shock, anxiety and uncertainty. Pray especially that God might help them to focus on their being and wellbeing in him. Pray also for those working to help the affected, and that all aid will reach the needy.

For TSUNAMI PHOTOS, click here

Kevin Rietveld