ENGLISH NYT0102solomon Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Date: 30 Dec 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Solomon Islands - Cyclone Zoe OCHA Situation Report No. 1 Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2002/0235 OCHA Situation Report No. 1 Solomon Islands - Cyclone Zoe 30 December 2002 The following information was provided by the UNDP Sub-Office in the Solomon Islands through the OCHA Office of the Regional Disaster Response Advisor for the Pacific in Fiji, as well as media reports. I. SITUATION AND DAMAGE 1. A category 5 tropical cyclone named Zoe with winds above 300km/h hit the islands of Tikopia, Fataka and Anuta, in the Solomon Islands (SOI) on 28 December 2002, affecting a total population of approximately 1,200 people. At 2 p.m. local time (0300 GMT) Zoe was about 75 km east of Tikopia. The SOI meteorological service has warned that flooding could also affect the islands. Cyclone Zoe, born early Thursday in Tuvalu waters, is now weakening and is heading east for open waters between Vanuatu and Fiji. 2. Although no report on the extent of damage or loss of life has been received as yet, a cyclone of that magnitude has an effect on landmasses described as "extremely dangerous with widespread destruction". SOI disaster officials are concerned that the cyclone has caused severe damage. It can be assumed that the vast majority of houses made of pandanus leaves and coconut palms have been destroyed. The crops and gardens out of which the villagers make their livelihood are also most probably ruined. Radio contact has not been re-established since cyclone Zoe hit the islands. Because of the very strong winds and rough seas, access by boat has also not been possible yet. The most urgent need is to make contact with the island inhabitants. II. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE 3. The Solomon Islands National Disaster Council (NDC) is monitoring the overall situation. On 29 December 2002, the NDC called an emergency meeting in the capital Honiara to organise urgent action. 4. A Government team made of two agriculturists, an engineer, a health professional and several members of the NDC, is planning to go to the islands tomorrow to assess the situation in the cyclone-affected area. The Government of Australia has offered to refuel the SOI Government Patrol Boat to bring the team to the affected islands. 5. So far the SOI authorities have not declared a state of emergency nor have they requested for international assistance. 6. OCHA is in contact with the NDC through the OCHA Office of the Regional Disaster Response Advisor for the Pacific, and will revert with further information. 7. This situation report, together with information on other ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int Telephone:+41-22-917 12 34 Fax: +41-22-917 00 23 E-mail: ochagva@un.org In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10 Desk Officers: Mr. R. M?ller / Ms Ruaudel Direct Tel. +41-22-917 31 31 / 40 34 Press contact: (in GVA) - Mr. Sergio Piazzi, Direct Tel. +41-22-917 35 18