DISASTER DECLARATION: EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE IN SOLOMON ISLANDS

UNCLAS PORT MORESBY 000003 STATE FOR EAP/ANP AND DAS REED BANGKOK FOR OFDA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT EADI PP PREL BP SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION: EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE IN SOLOMON ISLANDS ¶1. This is an action request. Please see paragraph 9. ¶2. Summary: Ambassador Teddy Taylor declares the situation in Solomon Islands (SI) a disaster which qualifies for emergency assistance funding per the ambassador's authority. Western Province in Solomon Islands was hit by sixteen major earthquakes and a small tsunami during the past 48 hours. It is estimated that approximately 500 people have been affected. No deaths have been reported. Communication and transportation to many of the more remote areas remains a challenge. Ambassador Taylor spoke with Prime Minister Sikua who indicated they would need assistance and we expect a formal request via diplomatic note soon. Current donor assistance does not meet the relief needs of the affected areas. It is in the interest of the United States to respond. End Summary. Affected Areas ¶3. Western Province in Solomon Islands was hit by seventeen major earthquakes during the past 48 hours and the aftershocks continue. The initial earthquakes occurred January 4 in the Western Province, the first at 0848 and the second at 0936. USGS reported the first as measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale and the second, 7.2. The depth of the first was 36km (22.4 miles) South South East of Gizo Island or 264km (164 miles) West North West of Honiara. The second struck at 143km (89 miles) South South East of Gizo Island or 210km (130 miles) West North West of Honiara. Aftershocks measuring between 5.0 and 6.9 have continued on a rolling basis since that time. ¶4. The .2 foot tsunami generated on January 4 struck the southern and northern side of Rendova Island. Retavo village in north Rendova was washed away. Baniata village in north Rendova reported houses destroyed and damaged by the waves. Rano village in south Rendova reported damage to homes and some minor injuries. Landslides on Rendova were reported by the helicopter assessment teams. The landslides have also affected local water sources. Tetepare Island reported damage to homes. Additionally, a jetty was washed out and there was damage to boats (form of transportation) and buildings. Minor injuries were reported. Earlier reports that Marovo lagoon lost 500 houses were not correct. The total population affected on Rendova and Tetepare is currently estimated at approximately 500. ¶5. A full assessment of the area between Lokuru, Baniata, Rano and Retavo on the northern and southern side of Rendova Island, including Tetepare Island is underway. Access to the remote areas is difficult and communications remain a challenge. Government Response ¶6. The SIG has declared this a national disaster managed through the NDC. The NDC is issuing daily situation reports and holding partner briefings to keep the media and donor community informed. Ambassador Taylor spoke with Prime Minister Sikua, who indicated they would need assistance. ¶7. The SIG has provided 200 bags of rice and 100 cartons of water. Donor Response ¶8. AUSAID and NZAID are considering assistance; however formal commitments are still pending. The Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC),Save the Children and Oxfam are currently conducting assessments and distributing relief supplies. SIRC provided 200 collapsible water containers and 50 boxes of family kits. Oxfam provided 99 tarpaulins. We anticipate an official request for assistance from the SIG by COB on January 7. Request for Assistance ¶9. Based on the situation, Ambassador Taylor confirms a disaster of significant magnitude has occurred in Solomon Islands, to warrant USG assistance. Post requests $75,000 under the Ambassador's Authority. These funds will be awarded to the SIRC for the distribution of emergency commodities. Post requests that OFDA/Washington approve the request and provide funds as soon as possible. An OFDA Regional Advisor will arrive in the Solomon Islands Friday for assessment purposes. TAYLOR