Honiara, Solomon Islands – New Zealand is supporting Solomon Islands’ disaster response following the devastating impact of Cyclone Maila, which has affected communities in Western and Choiseul provinces, as well as Isabel and Guadalcanal.
New Zealand’s assistance is focused on responding to nationally identified priorities and ensuring needs are met quickly in affected communities.
The High Commission is working closely with Solomon Islands Government and other partners to ensure that support is fast, targeted and practical.
Funding has been approved for the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
This will enable NDMO to strengthen response operations in Honiara, Western and Choiseul provinces, deploy the National Emergency Response Team (NERT), and enhance preparedness at the national warehouse and staging area in Munda.
New Zealand is also working with NGO partners to meet urgent humanitarian needs.
In partnership with World Vision, New Zealand and Solomon Islands quickly moved to release of 3.5 tonnes of pre-positioned emergency supplies.
This includes non-food items, such as shelter materials, hygiene and kitchen kits, blankets and canvasses. These have been delivered to affected communities in Kolombangara and Simbo Island. These supplies are valued at over SBD1 million.
Funding has also been provided to Save the Children to support their early response efforts. This includes rapid assessments, deploying surge teams and distributing emergency supplies and food assistance.
They will also establish and run child-friendly spaces for both children and caregivers, and provide psychological first aid to provide practical help to people affected by the disaster. Particular focus will be placed on child protection and gender-based violence prevention.
A call for proposals has been launched to provide additional support through humanitarian partners.
New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Jonathan Curr says New Zealand stands with Solomon Islands in times of need.
“Our support is focused on the priorities identified by national and provincial authorities. It is then delivered through locally led systems and trusted partners to ensure needs are met in communities quickly and effectively,” he says.
The New Zealand Defence Force rapidly deployed a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to survey damage across the country in response to a request from Solomon Islands.
New Zealand will continue to support Solomon Islands’ response and recovery efforts following Cyclone Maila.
– NZ High Com Press
