OCHA/GVA - 2003/0001
OCHA Situation Report No. 3
Solomon Islands - Cyclone Zoe
2 January 2003
The following information was provided by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in the Solomon Islands and the Emergency Management Australia (EMA) through the OCHA Office of the Regional Disaster Response Advisor for the Pacific in Fiji, as well as media reports.
I. SITUATION AND DAMAGE
1. Cyclone Zoe, a category 5 tropical storm passed over the Temotu Province of the Solomon Islands from 28-30 December 2002.
2. Although no ground assessment of damage has been conducted, an Australian surveillance flight over the affected islands on 1 January 2003 has confirmed widespread damage on the islands of Tikopia and Anuta. The large majority of trees on the islands have been blown over or shredded. Extensive damage to housing, crops and gardens has also been reported.
II. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
3. The SOI Government has assembled a team to travel by boat to Anuta and Tikopia. The Director of the NDMO has confirmed that two, and not one boat, as previously reported, would sail for the islands. The police vessel, the Auki, for which Australia has provided the fuel is scheduled to leave on 2 January 2003 with the police medical team, the medical team leader, one pharmacist, a nurse, a government information officer, the Representative from SOI Broadcasting Commission, and the Parliamentarian from the Vatud Constituency. Three nurses, two chainsaw operators, two agriculture officers, and a representative from the Provincial Disaster Committee will get on board in Lata (capital of Temotu Province). The second boat provided by the Government of New Zealand, a civilian vessel of greater capacity (called MV Isabella) will leave Honiara on 3 January 2003. The MV Isabella will carry an UNDAC member, a Red Cross member, a representative of AusAid, a civil engineer, as well as a few journalists (both local and possibly foreign journalists). In addition, 24 police officers will be joining the team of disaster corps/volunteers to set up temporary shelters for the islanders. The boat is expected to reach the islands in a maximum of three days time. Basic relief supplies including food, shelter and medicines will also be transported on board.
A technician will join the assessment team to repair radio communication equipment in the islands. The team will also take a satellite phone on board to provide daily information.
4. In agreement with the Government of SOI, an UNDAC team will be deployed on 3 January 2003. While one of the UNDAC team members will travel to the affected islands, the UNDAC team leader will be posted in Honiara and will be monitoring the situation with EMA and NDMO.
5. In response to the disaster situation, OCHA has provided a USD 10,000 Emergency Grant for the purchase and transportation of relief supplies, through the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Suva to assist the population affected by the cyclone. If the UNDAC assessment team establishes further needs, an additional grant would then be allocated.
6. The Government of Australia has provided financial assistance for the purchase of emergency rice supplies and radio communication equipment. After deploying a C130 aircraft to photograph and visually survey the damage to the islands on 1 January 2003, Australia conducted another overflight assessment on 2 January 2003.
7. The Government has not requested for international assistance.
8. OCHA is in contact with the NDMO and EMA, through the OCHA Office of the Regional Disaster Response Advisor for the Pacific. Once the UNDAC team is on the ground, OCHA will revert with further information.
9. This situation report, together with information on other ongoing emergencies, is available on the OCHA Website at http://www.reliefweb.int
Telephone:+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
Desk Officers:
Ms. Susan de Souza / Ms. Ruaudel
Direct Tel. +41-22-917 16 36 / 17 69
Press contact:
(in GVA) Mr. Sergio Piazzi, Direct Tel: +41-22-917 35 18
