A SECOND military aircraft from New Zealand arrived in Honiara on Friday with essential supplies for the relief and early recovery effort.
Critical supplies delivered on the flight included sewerage and plumbing infrastructure necessary to improve Solomon Islands Water Authority capabilities; collapsible water bottles and brass taps to support water distribution; hygiene kits and mosquito nets for evacuation centres; and further urgent medical supplies for the hospital.
The flight also included a four-person New Zealand Defence Force environmental health team that will be deployed to support local authorities in assessing and managing public health risks.
The team will join the seven New Zealand Defence Force personnel who have been supporting the Solomon Islands Government to conduct damage assessments in Honiara and eastern Guadalcanal.
New Zealand’s support to date for the emergency response stands at SBD10.25m and has been focused on providing support for those immediately impacted by the flooding.
The first flight from New Zealand, on Monday 7 April, carried relief supplies and disaster management personnel to support the Government of Solomon Islands’ response.
This flight included essential medical supplies requested by the National Pharmacy Services Division (NPSD).
These supplies are being used in the National Referral Hospital and medical clinics in Honiara.
Sarah Wong, Acting New Zealand High Commissioner in Solomon Islands, says that New Zealand is committed to assisting Solomon Islands in responding to this disaster.
“We recognise that Solomon Islands faces a long recovery from this very serious event. New Zealand is continuing to work in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government to support it to respond to needs as the situation evolves.”