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Bridging Gaps |
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WASHINGTON DC (April 5, 2007) – "The suffering is not yet over for the people of the Solomon Islands," asserted the head of an international humanitarian and development agency. Lelei LeLaulu, president of Counterpart International, voiced concern about reports of disease outbreaks among the thousands made homeless by giant waves and earthquakes. After-shocks and tremors following Monday's devastating tsunami and earthquakes in the Melanesian islands have generated fears of more giant waves. "People are moving to higher ground – which makes it harder to get relief to them," he added. On Monday, an undersea earthquake unleashed a tsunami that hit the western Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, killing at least 34 people with many still missing, and destroying hundreds of homes and displacing more than 5,000 people. Tiny island villages, isolated from aid due to a lack of roads and airports, are forced to wait for urgently needed food and supplies that have been delayed in delivery due to the earthquake's destruction, measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale. Counterpart International, a US-based humanitarian and development organization which has its roots in Oceania's "Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacific International" (FSPI), is joining relief efforts to ensure communities have basic shelters, hygiene materials and other supplies they need to rebuild their lives. According to the United Nations Children's Fund, 30,000 children – half of whom are under the age of five – have been affected by the tsunami and need urgent help. FSPI and its network stretching across the South Pacific have mobilized members to aid the survivors of the disaster. LeLaulu, a Pacific islander who also is Chairman of FSPI's Board, thanked non-profit and other humanitarian agencies for moving aid to the isolated regions of the Solomon Islands archipelago most hard hit by the massive waves and quakes. "But we have to stay focused because the reconstruction needs will be considerable and the international community needs to consolidate their efforts," he said. The Solomon Islands lie in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea and are slightly smaller than the state of Maryland. Gizo Island is one of the worst-affected areas, and more than 1,500 residents are now living in makeshift settlements in the hills above the town. Counterpart's recent relief projects included providing millions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid in pharmaceuticals, hygiene kits and basic shelters following tsunamis, earthquakes, and floods in Thailand, Pakistan, and Guyana respectively. With Counterpart's strong history of disaster relief and FSPI's presence and experience in the Pacific, these organizations are mobilizing to provide much needed support to the people of the Solomon Islands. To donate to the relief efforts, visit Counterpart International www.counterpart.org or The Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific www.fspi.org.fj . |
