What is described as the worst flooding in memory in the Solomon Islands has hit the capital Honiara, claimed several lives and forcing the evacuation of thousands. The Solomon Island media reports at least 8 deaths, but there are fears the death toll could rise.
Solomon Island Minister Bradley Tovosia has declared Honiara and parts of Guadalcanal disaster areas.
Chinatown has been flooded and one of the only two bridges connecting Honiara to the international airport, and the entry point for relief supplies, has been washed away.
Entire communities were swept away as the city’s main river, the Matanikau, burst its banks late Thursday, bringing down bridges and inundating the downtown area in a disaster observers said was one of the worst ever faced by the Pacific nation.
Cameron Vudi, Solomon Islands Red Cross Disaster Risk Manager, says the flash flooding caught many by surprise.
“People who lost their homes or had to be evacuated had very little time to prepare for this disaster. I think it has taken everybody by surprise,” he said.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- Entire communities were swept away as the city’s main river, the Matanikau, burst its banks late Thursday, bringing down bridges and inundating the downtown area in a disaster observers said was one of the worst ever faced by the Pacific nation.
- What is described as the worst flooding in memory in the Solomon Islands has hit the capital Honiara, claimed several lives and forcing the evacuation of thousands.
- Chinatown has been flooded and one of the only two bridges connecting Honiara to the international airport, and the entry point for relief supplies, has been washed away.
