UK support for the Solomon Islands following flash flooding
Aid to provide at least 3,500 people with temporary shelters, blankets, clean water, kitchen sets and hygiene kits to help stave off disease.
Relief items being distributed in the Solomon Islands. Picture: World Vision Australia via Twitter
The UK government has announced it will help thousands of people whose homes and livelihoods have been washed away by floods in the Solomon Islands.
Flash floods last week have affected over 50,000 people living on the Pacific island chain and left 10,000 people in evacuation centres. Thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed in the capital Honaira and Guadalcanal province and at least 23 people have died.
The new UK humanitarian funding of £300,000 will help British charity World Vision UK to provide at least 3,500 of the most vulnerable Solomon Islanders with temporary shelters, blankets, clean water, kitchen sets and hygiene kits to help stave off disease.
International Development Minister Alan Duncan said:
Over the past few days thousands of people across the Solomon Islands have seen their homes and their livelihoods washed away, with many losing loved ones to the floods. This urgent British support will help those who have lost everything, providing emergency shelter, giving them clean water to drink and helping to stop the spread of disease.
UK support will also help the Solomon Islands Government deliver the ongoing relief effort and develop plans for medium-term recovery.