FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday April 3, 2007

Oxfam assessing needs of communities affected by Solomons' tsunami

International agency Oxfam has started its response to help people affected by the tsunami triggered by yesterday's (Monday, April 2) earthquake.

Oxfam's Solomon Islands Disaster Management Officer, Rex Tara, yesterday led an assessment mission dispatched to Western and Choiseul Province and coordinated action plans are being developed.

There have been reports of up to 20 deaths but this could rise as further information comes in from more remote islands.

"We need to act quickly to ensure that people have safe water sources and that those who have not yet been reached receive much needed assistance," said Renzo Benfatto, Oxfam New Zealand's Humanitarian Programme Manager.

Oxfam is currently assessing the immediate needs of communities and emergency staff, including water engineers, are on standby to be deployed if required.

ENDS

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