Six weeks after the 8.1 earthquake and following tsunami struck the northwest coast of the Solomon Islands, World Vision is helping terrified communities to return home.

Official sources confirm more than 9,000 people were affected by the widespread destruction while the death toll remains at 52.

Despite repeated earthquakes and after-shocks, USGS geo-technical engineers concluded the risk for further major earthquakes triggering tsunamis is low. However, according to World Vision welfare specialist Amalia Fawcett, who is currently leading the psycho-social activities in the relief area, local communities are very reluctant to return to the coastal areas, due to fresh memories of the tsunami-caused destruction.

To build communities’ trust, World Vision is working closely with mass media in the Solomons to send appropriate messages to the locals. Hearing these easily accessible announcements, people are increasingly prepared to return and begin their lives anew.

A typical message from World Vision to affected communities reads: “We cannot guarantee that further destruction will not happen but we will attempt to rebuild structures better able to withstand natural disasters. The focus will be on rebuilding your community in an area where you feel comfortable staying indefinitely”.

After initial assessments, World Vision has started its 3-month relief intervention in the Islands of Simbo and Ranongga of Western Province, supporting 500 neediest households in more than 35 communities. A twenty-four month rehabilitation strategy is also being developed with the financial support of several international governments.

“We are working closely with other agencies so there is a minimal duplication of work,” said Brett Cowling, World Vision Solomon Islands Relief Manager.

Digging toilet pits was an early priority to reduce diseases spreading in crowded displaced communities. These toilets will continue to be used for many months and some will become permanent community facilities.

World Vision is currently working to meet needs in water and sanitation, hygiene promotion, shelter and psychosocial
support. Distributions of non-food items are ongoing: water containers, blankets, tarpaulins, spades, bush knives, axes, buckets, family kits, baby kits and women’s kits.

As they move home, families are also receiving encouragement, tools and training in basic gardening and building. This, known as the “build back better” approach, enables them to take part in restoration of their lives and build structures better able to withstand future potential emergencies.

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