Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Solomon Islands

South Pacific Tsunami - OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2007/0035
South Pacific Tsunami - April 2007
OCHA Situation Report No. 1

This situation report is based on information received from the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and Oxfam in the Solomon Islands, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP BCPR, UNICEF, OCHA Offices in Fiji and Papua New Guinea and media sources.

I. SITUATION

1. An earthquake measuring 8.1 struck 345km northwest of the Solomon Islands' capital Honiara at 0740 local time Monday (2040 GMT Sunday). The earthquake caused a tsunami and there have been reports of damage in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami warning alerting authorities in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, northeastern Australia, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji.

2. Media reports put the number of deaths in the Solomon Islands at eight, though numbers are expected to increase. Some reports are claiming that villages have been "completely wiped out".

3. Oxfam reports that more than 500 houses were damaged in Gizo town (45km from the quake's epicentre) and surrounding villages. There are reports that Gizo hospital, Gizo church and Gizo hotel have suffered damage. Despite a power outage in Gizo town, communication links are functioning.

4. Sasamunga Hospital in Choiseul was partly flooded. Oxfam concludes that it is likely that large parts of South West Choiseul have been affected. 15 houses were reportedly swept away in Simbo.

5. There are reports of damage to property in Papua New Guinea, but currently no reported fatalities or injuries. A series of tsunamis hit Rossel Island (Milne Bay Province), where two-metre waves swept away seven houses. Damage was also reported at Kang Wharf in South Bougainville. There was panic at population centres including Madang, Le and Vanimo. Initial reports that Mount Bagana was displaying increased signs of activity following the earthquake are now confirmed to have been false.

II. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE- SOLOMON ISLANDS

6. The Provincial Disaster Office in Choisel Province evacuated people from coastal areas when the tsunami warning was issued.

7. UNICEF reports that the UN office in the Solomon Islands' capital Honiara has been evacuated except for essential staff.

8. The Natural Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in Western and Choiseul Provinces organized an assessment mission on 2 April. The assessment team included representatives of the NDMO, Government ministries, the police department, the Red Cross, NZ Aid and UNDP. Findings are expected to be made available by the end of the day (2 April).

9. UNICEF has pre-positioned emergency medical supplies in the Solomon Islands for up to 10,000 people including 10 emergency kits, 5 'school in a box' kits and 3 recreation kits. The UNICEF Pacific Emergency Focal Point (an UNDAC member) will travel to the Islands on 3 April.

10. The Red Cross will carry out an initial distribution of First Aid kits in Gizo town and has dispatched a boat containing tents.

11. OCHA has verbally offered assistance to the Government of the Solomon Islands through the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative.

12. An UNDAC Alert Message was issued on 2 April and a team is ready to deploy upon the request of the Government of the Solomon Islands.

III. ASSISTANCE NEEDS

13. Oxfam reports that immediate needs include food, water and shelter.

14. The Government of the Solomon Islands is expected to make a request for international assistance. The results of the NDMO assessment are expected to clarify needs.

This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website http://www.reliefweb.int/.

Map: Solomon Islands: South Pacific Tsunami - 2 April 2007

Tel.: +41-22-917 12 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

For detailed information please contact:

OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok) - Fax: +66 2288 1043

Mr. Markus Werne
Deputy Head of Office
Tel. + 66 2288 2558
Mob. + 66 1917 8940

Ms. Amanda Pitt
Regional Public Information and Advocacy Officer
Tel. + 66 2288 1195
Mob. + 66 1374 1035

Desk Officers:

(NY) Mr. Gregoire de Brancovan Tel. +1 212 963 2629
(GVA) Mr. Erik Kastlander Tel. +41-22-917 1587

Press contact:

(NY) Ms. Stephanie Bunker Tel. +1-917 367 5126
(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs Tel. +41-22-917 2653

Disclaimer

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.