The country is benefiting from a $200,000 (SBD$1.5m) grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help fund humanitarian and relief efforts following recent major floods.
On 3-5 April 2014, prolonged heavy rain associated with a tropical storm caused severe flooding in Honiara, and parts of Guadalcanal province.
As a result of the disaster 21 deaths and a reported 52,000 people have been left homeless.
Major infrastructure including the sewerage system, water supplies, and major roads and bridges were badly damaged or destroyed. About 9,000 people are currently in evacuation centers.
“The flood has ruined lives, livelihoods and infrastructure. Providing emergency relief and restoring essential services must be a priority in the rebuilding process,” said Andrea Iffland, Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office in Sydney.
ADB approved the grant under its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund. The emergency funds may be used to provide support for the restoration of life-preserving services to communities affected by the flash floods.
ADB has also been working with the government on the initial damage assessment and assessing ongoing infrastructure needs.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.
In 2013, ADB assistance totaled $21.0 billion, including cofinancing of $6.6 billion.
