LIVES LOST, DAMAGE IN MILLIONS IN SOLOMON ISLANDS FLOOD

In what can be described as the worst flood disaster in memory to strike Solomon Islands, 16 people are confirmed dead so far and authorities claim the figure to rise dramatically as bad weather continues.

The Solomon Islands Government on Friday declared a state of disaster for the country after continuous heavy rains and flash floods swept through major communities around Guadalcanal Province including the capital city of Honiara, damaging properties and taking away lives.

The Solomon Islands Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Bradley Tovusia made the announcement on Friday, on the advice of the National Disaster Council to declare the city of Honiara and parts of Guadalcanal Province to be a State of Disaster.

The declaration was confirmed by Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo following his address to the nation through the Solomon Islands national broadcaster, SIBC on the same afternoon.

Prime Minister Lilo explained that the declaration was gazetted and automatically authorized the National Disaster Council to activate relevant processes to deal with the current situation in the country.

As aid efforts begin to stream in from neighbouring countries such as Australia and New Zealand, the current fear from health authorities and those on the ground, is on the outbreak of diseases and low food rations.

Reports reaching the local media from those affected by the flash floods outlined growing concerns about shortages of food supply and the spread of diseases through consumption of contaminated water.

Locals from the affected regions of East Guadalcanal have called for immediate supply of food as flash floods had wiped away their gardens and road access to areas where small shops and canteens can be located.

The situation continues to be closely monitored by authorities as the wet weather is most likely to continue till next week.