HOW A TINY PROVINCE IN SOLOMON ISLANDS REACHES OUT TO AUSTRALIA
THE small island province of Temotu in the far eastern part of Solomon
Islands is one of the nation’s most prone natural hazard areas.
With an estimated population of less than 25,000, Temotu often has its bouts of natural disasters.
In 2015, tropical cyclone Pam left devastating effects on the tiny province where people were affected from damages to their fruit trees, food gardens and agricultural crops. People near the coast were evacuated.
Then again in 2017, TC Donna in its wake and formation also impacted badly on the people of Temotu.
Not to mention it was only seven years ago a tsunami claimed lives of more than 10 people, swamped more than 20 villages forcing the government to declare a state of emergency over the Santa Cruz Islands.
Their most recent bout of disaster was in January 2019 where bad
weather caused people to face food shortages calling for help from the National
Disaster Management Office.
Despite the onslaught of natural hazards, the people of Temotu were the
first to come forward in Solomon Islands to respond to the bush fires in
Australia.
In early January, led by the provincial premier Mr. Clay Forau, a fundraiser was held in the provincial capital Lata, for victims of the Australia bush fires.
Local business in Temotu, Pztr investment was one of the first to come forward with a donation of $5000.00.
“Australia has also helped us a lot in past natural disasters such as the
2013 tsunami, they were the first to respond” Forau said.
Forau said the people of Temotu appreciated the help from Australia thus their support and donation comes from the heart.
On the 15th of January, Mr. Forau handed over a cheque worth more than 30 thousand Solomon Island dollars to the government’s fundraising committee for victims of the Australia bush fire.
Coming from a province such as Temotu, this is said to be truly a gift from the heart.
In addition to the cash donation, Forau added that churches in the province also offered their prayers for rain to pour down on the affected areas in Australia.
ENDS///
PICTURES OF FUNDRAISING EFFORT BY PEOPLE OF TEMOTU IN LATA (Photos by Ethel Lano Mapolu - Facebook)
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| The tsunami in 2013 swamped through 20 villages |
With an estimated population of less than 25,000, Temotu often has its bouts of natural disasters.
In 2015, tropical cyclone Pam left devastating effects on the tiny province where people were affected from damages to their fruit trees, food gardens and agricultural crops. People near the coast were evacuated.
Then again in 2017, TC Donna in its wake and formation also impacted badly on the people of Temotu.
Not to mention it was only seven years ago a tsunami claimed lives of more than 10 people, swamped more than 20 villages forcing the government to declare a state of emergency over the Santa Cruz Islands.
 | ||||
| Remains of household in Venga village after 2013 tsunami (Photo supplied) |
In early January, led by the provincial premier Mr. Clay Forau, a fundraiser was held in the provincial capital Lata, for victims of the Australia bush fires.
Local business in Temotu, Pztr investment was one of the first to come forward with a donation of $5000.00.
 |
Temotu Premier, Clay Forau hands over donation to
Dr. Derek Mane of PMO
|
Forau said the people of Temotu appreciated the help from Australia thus their support and donation comes from the heart.
On the 15th of January, Mr. Forau handed over a cheque worth more than 30 thousand Solomon Island dollars to the government’s fundraising committee for victims of the Australia bush fire.
Coming from a province such as Temotu, this is said to be truly a gift from the heart.
In addition to the cash donation, Forau added that churches in the province also offered their prayers for rain to pour down on the affected areas in Australia.
ENDS///
PICTURES OF FUNDRAISING EFFORT BY PEOPLE OF TEMOTU IN LATA (Photos by Ethel Lano Mapolu - Facebook)
 |
| Representative from Pztr Investment |
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