MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to confirm that Cyclone Zoe caused no deaths or serious injury
among the population of the island of Anuta in the Solomon Islands.
The news was reported by Australian officials aboard the Solomon Islands
police patrol vessel, Auki, which berthed at Anuta early today.
The assessment team found that damage to structures and crops on Anuta was
significantly less than on Tikopia. There are sufficient food supplies for two
or three months. The island's water supply was not affected.
The Auki team reported that it had set up and stocked a health clinic in the
island's school, which was not damaged.
As well, Solomon Islands police installed Australian-supplied VHF radio
equipment in the school building, restoring communications that had been out
since a breakdown in November.
The Auki is scheduled to depart Anuta at midnight to assess conditions on
other islands in the area.
The Hamakyo Maru, funded by Australia, is expected to depart the capital,
Honiara, bound for Tipokia and Anuta, later today. In addition to further relief
supplies for the islanders, the Hamakyo Maru will bring fuel for the MV Isabela,
currently at Tikopia, and the Auki.
Contact:
Andrew Park (Mr Downer's office) (02) 6277 7500
Jo Elsom (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960