MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Solomon Islands
Advice today from Australian officials on the island of Tikopia that there
have been no deaths and no serious injuries is good news.
This first official assessment accords with our early surveillance flight
reports.
The Solomon Islands police patrol vessel, Auki, berthed on schedule at 05.00
today bringing meaningful relief supplies, Solomon Islands police and medical
assessment teams and an Australia aid program official.
The medical team is treating minor injuries and the team reports that the
health clinic is still standing, has been made operational and medical supplies
have been replenished.
I particularly welcome the advice from, Dr Oberli, of the Solomon Islands
Ministry of Health, that there is no danger to public health.
The Auki is scheduled to sail on to the island of Anuta this evening. A
second vessel, the MV Isabela, carrying substantial supplies of food, water and
other relief materials, is due to reach Tikopia from Honiara early tomorrow.
I congratulate the Solomon Islands government on mounting a successful damage
assessment mission and follow-up emergency supplies shipment to these remote
locations.
As we move from the relief to the recovery stage, Australia will continue to
work with the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Organisation (NDMO).
Australia is in for the long haul.
I confirm an additional $50,000 has been provided for fuel and logistic
support to the NDMO. This brings Australia's immediate relief assistance to more
than $120,000, together with the cost of the RAAF aerial surveillance
mission.
Contact:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 0419 206 890
Alan March (AusAID) 0418 200 246