Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10PORTMORESBY3
2010-01-06 07:31:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Port Moresby
Cable title:
DISASTER DECLARATION: EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE IN SOLOMON ISLANDS
how-toO R 060731Z JAN 10 FM AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5752 INFO AMEMBASSY BANGKOK AMEMBASSY SUVA AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY AMEMBASSY JAKARTA AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM COLLECTIVE NSC WASHINGTON DC HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC
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
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
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