austraLasia #1800
Solomon Islands situation - update from local sources
HONIARA: 3rd April 2007 -- The world's media have reported the undersea earthquake yesterday in the Solomon Islands Western Province, one of the strongest tremors anywhere in the world so far this year (at 8 on the Richter scale, seismologists say only two or three of these are likely to occur in any one year), and the subsequent Tsunami and devastation of Gizo and some loss of life. As usual for events in our region austraLasia has sought local reports close to the scene. The Salesian setting (SDB and FMA) is in or near Honiara, and other than the tremor, some moments of disorientation, a very minor sea rise of 20 centimetres, nothing untoward has occurred in that region. Archbishop Adrian Smith of Honiara commented that the tremors were different from the regularly felt ones in that part of the world (usually a quick jolt); this time they were more of a swaying feeling.
In Gizo, 'Dominican' territory, the situation is far different. Gizo township was badly hit. The cathedral there appears to be badly damaged, with the collapse of the bell tower and further damage to walls as that came down. Bishop Bernard O'Grady OP reports that his own residence was flooded by the waves that came crashing in and that people have all moved to higher ground. He has concerns for the growing list of missing persons, particularly for a missing family of catechists. One local report also indicates that water tanks have been destroyed by the combination of earthquake and wave action - lack of drinking water then becomes a serious problem for residents. Gizo airport itself was destroyed - the waves went right through it and left a trail of debris all over.
Other than aftershocks, the immediate danger from tsunami type damage has subsided. Dominican formation communities in the region have been variously affected; some flooded and all members of communities have moved to higher ground.
Let's keep our Dominican Brothers and Sisters prayerfully in mind over these days, and for that matter all the people of the Solomon Islands who scarcely need an event of this kind in their lives at the moment! One area we have little information from is further west in Salesian Bishop Panfilo's territory of far Eastern PNG - Milne Bay, Alotau. There is one unconfirmed report of the death of five people in that area. The two regions are contiguous.
Meanwhile, Fr Cappelli, Rector of the Salesian Community in Honiara, has brought Don Bosco Technical Institute at Henderson, outside the capital, into the action with a collection of food and other aid for the five worst hit villages in the Western Province where Gizo is located. He has appealed for wider help through his usual channels which reach out through Oceania and as far as Europe. Thos who wish to be in touch with him could contact him directly at
Tel: 677 94595 / 677 36222/ fax 36512
lcapelli@ donbosco.org.sb
Anyone wishing to send direct aid could do so via:
ANZBANK, Mendana Avenue, SOLOMON ISLANDS
Swift Code: ANZBSBSB
BSB: # 0950
Account number: 4262350
Name: Salesians of Don Bosco: DON BOSCO PROJECTS, for tsunami victims island of SIMBO
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