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: +41-22-91712 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. Müller / Ms Ruaudel
  Direct Tel. +41-22-917 31 31 / 40 34

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Mr. Sergio Piazzi, Direct Tel. +41-22-917 35 18


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