Australian High Commissioner to Solomons vows ongoing support to tsunami affected areas

The Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Peter Hooton says his country will continue to assist relief and recovery efforts in the Western Province as long as is needed.

Australia has given two million dollars to the aid effort, and committed the resources of the Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI.

Medical and environmental health teams from the Australian Defence Force are working in the tsunami affected region, providing healthcare, and helping to prevent disease and virus outbreaks.

Peter Hooton says he has been keeping the Australian Government informed of the situation.

Meanwhile, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will today inspect damage in tsunami hit areas of Western and Choiseul provinces.

He'll also meet some of those affected by the disaster on the island of Gizo, and talk to many of the groups who have come to the region to assist.

More than 40 people died and thousands were made homeless when the earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck the islands on April 2.

It is also understood an international aid team has traveled to the Shortland islands, near the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville. The team says that while the Shortlands has not reported any casualties from the tidal wave, many buildings were destroyed, including the main health clinic in the island group.

Source: Radio Australia