Severe Floods in Solomon Islands

by in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania

Heavy rain and overflowing rivers have caused flash flooding in the Solomon Islands, in particular the capital, Honiara, a city with a population of just under 70,000.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Regional Office for the Pacific (OCHA Pacific) has confirmed that heavy rain has caused severe flooding in Honiara and that the Matanikau River has burst its banks, leaving parts of the city cut-off.

The National Disaster Office said that the heavy rainfall over the last 2 days is a result of a severe depression. The office claim the rain has caused some of the worst flooding in the region in eight years.

honiara floods
Floods in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Photo: Anna Powles @ twitter

The National Disaster Office said that around 100 houses have been completely destroyed, washed away in the flood water. It is understood that evacuations are taking place and that the displaced are staying in schools and other community buildings.

The Solomon Times is reporting that 2 people have died in the floods.

Reports have stated that two people, a mother and her baby daughter, were killed after sudden flash floods swept through the Chinatown area, washing away the old Chinatown Bridge.

“The flash floods came in unexpectedly the young mother and her baby daughter was crossing the bridge at the time,” stated one eye witness.

Some local residents reported that there have been power outages and no drinking water supply. There have also been several reports of looting in the city, in particular the China Town area.

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