Death toll of Western Solomons tsunami reaches 25 as of this morning

The death toll following Monday's earthquake and tsunami in the Western and Choiseul provinces of the Solomon Islands now stands at 25 as of this morning.

A child was found dead at Lambu Lambu village in Vella La Vella, an Island northwest of Gizo to take the toll from 24 as of yesterday evening to 25.

Of the 25 deaths, 12 were from Simbo Island, 8 from Gizo, 2 from Mondo on Rannoga, 1 from Lambu Lambu in Vella La Vella and 2 from Sasamunga on Choiseul.

A good number of people were reportedly injured some with very serious injuries. It is also understood that thousands of people are left homeless as all their homes and properties were washed off by the tidal wave.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday confirmed that both Western and Choiseul Provinces have been declared disaster areas.

This is to allow the National Disaster Management to acquire the necessary assistance to the victims of the tsunami.

Mr Sogavare says preliminary figures available to government put the number of deaths at 24 with more than five thousand people displaced and more than 900 homes destroyed.

He adds government assistance to the victims of the tsunami in the Western and Choiseul provinces is now under way.

Mr Sogavare says that a boat loaded with four thousand bags of rice and other basic necessities like clean drinking water and tents is now heading to the disaster zones.

The Prime Minister says the relief supplies of immediate help should be made available to some victims on first port of call locations by today.

Mr Sogavare says Government is very grateful that both the international and local communities are coming forward with pledges for help.

Source: SIBC