PM Lilo Welcomes Roc Assistance For Tsunami Victims

Office Of The
Prime Minister And Cabinet

Government Communication Unit

MEDIA RELEASE 12-02-13-GH

PM Lilo Welcomes Roc Assistance For Tsunami Victims

The Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan, today has donated SB$1.46 million to assist Solomon Islands in its disaster relief efforts on Santa Cruz Island, in Temotu Province.

An 8.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami on Wednesday 6 February killed at least 10 people and destroyed more than 600 homes on Santa Cruz and other nearby islands.

ROC Ambassador Roy Wu handed over the donation to Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo in Honiara today.

Ambassador Wu said the people and government of Taiwan are terribly shocked to learn of the destructive tsunami and its devastation on the affected region.

At the handover ceremony, Ambassador conveyed ROC President Ma’s condolences to the people of Solomon Islands on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan.

“The embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) wishes to extend our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the families and people affected by the devastating disaster,” Ambassador Wu said.

Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo welcomed the assistance and thanked the people and government of Taiwan for standing together with Solomon Islanders during its difficult moments.

“This assistance is very much appreciated as it will certainly help the victims in the recovery process to rebuild their lives again. For this, I wish to sincerely convey our thanks to the people and government of Taiwan,” Prime Minister Lilo said.

A total of SB$1.1 million will be channeled through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Division of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to purchase needed food, shelter and clean water to the people affected.

The Red Cross and World Vision Solomon Islands will be given SB$182,500.00 each respectively to fund their disaster relief activities in the affected regions.

Prime Minister Lilo assured Ambassador Wu that he will ensure that the donation is used for its intended purpose saying the government will work closely with NGOs and other Humanitarian Agencies to achieve a fair and speedy recovery process.

Meanwhile, more help both local and overseas are beginning to trickle in to help in the recovery process on Santa Cruz.

ENDS

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