Update on the Solomon Islands Flood Emergency – April 30th 2014

Distribution of relief supplies at the evacuation centre in Honiara.

Our partner in the Solomon Islands, The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM), has acted quickly in responding to the devastating floods that ravaged parts of Honiara and Guadalcanal in early April. With donations from our supporters, and other partners worldwide, the ACOM Provincial Disaster Committee has organised a comprehensive plan of relief and rehabilitation for those affected.

At present, the relief phase is in operation, with essential supplies being provided for those sheltering in evacuation centres. This distribution is now concentrated to a total population of approximately 12,597 people, for areas both within Honiara and parts of North-east and North-western Guadalcanal. These supplies include food, medical aid, clothing, lighting and cooking utensils.

In addition to this, vital counselling services are being provided by the Trauma Healing and Counselling Team from the ACOM Justice, Reconciliation and Peace Commission, to help those affected by the trauma of losing loved ones and homes. On the 19th April, the Trauma healing and counselling team had visited all the evacuation centres and started off sessions early in the week. As of 24th April, most centres have been covered and participants have shown visible improvement, with a renewed peace of mind and hope in God.

General Secretary of ACOM, Dr Abraham Hauriasi wrote in a recent report:

“On behalf of the Church, we as members of the ACOM Provincial Disaster Committee would like to convey our sincere appreciation and acknowledgement to all our overseas mission partners and donors in the immediate positive response to our request for emergency relief effort towards the Honiara and Guadalcanal flash flood victims which affected almost 40,000 people.

We, therefore, look forward for your continuous support in the recovery and rehabilitation effort to the most affected population and future emergency relief efforts.”

 

The Community of the sisters of the Church receiving their relief supplies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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