UNICEF CONTINUES TO SUPPORT MAKIRA QUAKE VICTIMS

UNICEF continues to support the current emergency response efforts to affected communities in Makira province with the provision of education, water and hygiene supplies, following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in early December 2016.

These supplies are sufficient to meet the needs of more than 12,000 people and include 3,000 pieces of hand washing soaps, 5,000 water containers, two cartons of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials carrying messages on hygiene practices, 12 tents and tarpaulins for affected schools.

In addition, radio spots promoting the preparation and storage of safe drinking water, safe food storage, and appropriate sanitation practices are scheduled for broadcast on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Cooperation and will also be shared via mobile phones.

Chief of UNICEF Solomon Islands Field Office Mr Yun Jong Kang said, the soaps, water containers and buckets will encourage families to practice constant handwashing and ease the burden of carrying and storing water.

He adds the tents and tarpaulins will be set up along affected schools before the school year begins in late January to ensure children continue schooling while the repair work on schools take place.

Mr Kang has assured, UNICEF Solomon Islands Field Office will continue to work closely with the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) committees that are responsible for coordinating response at the national level mainly in Health, Education and Protection throughout the response phase.

The supplies will be distributed via the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society.