An 8.1 magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami in the Solomon Islands on Monday, April 2. So far, at least 30 people are confirmed dead, 900 homes have been destroyed and more than 5,400 people have been left without shelter.
The earthquake and tsunami struck the island nation at 7:39am Monday causing people throughout the region to flee for safety towards higher ground. The island of Gizo, located northwest of Honiara, the capital, was hit hardest by the quake. On low-lying areas of the island, a hospital, schools, and shops were damaged. Reports state that 13 villages were washed away as a result of the tsunami. Aftershocks have been reported throughout the islands.
Episcopal Relief and Development has been in communication with the Church of the Province of Melanesia. According to the Church, plans are underway to send its ship with relief supplies. The Church will provide food and shelter materials. Episcopal Relief and Development stands ready to respond and provide emergency assistance.
Please pray for people affected by this disaster.
To help people affected by disasters, please make a donation to the “Emergency Relief Fund” online at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development “Emergency Relief Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) (3) organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. ERD’s programs work toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
