(ANS – Honiara) – Heavy rain and floods have left over 16 dead and tens of thousands homeless. The floodwaters have receded, but the country is yet to come to terms with the full extent of the damage.

The Solomon Islands government declared a state of emergency last week after the Matanikau River burst its banks, sweeping away, people, houses and bringing down bridges. While rain lashed the country, major damage is seen in the China town area of Honiara and in the North Eastern part of Guadalcanal.

“Thanks for the remembrance and for supporting us as we went through these past days of struggle. It was a difficult time for all of us. A very sad and depressing atmosphere looms all around us - as we Fr. Srimal Priyanga and myself - walked on the bank of the Matanikau River around China town area” Fr. Ambrose Pereira.

The Matanikau metal and wooded bridge is completely destroyed. The concrete bridge, the lifeline that links Henderson with Honiara has been severely damaged. With people displaced, infrastructure down and limited food supply - the weeks and months ahead will be difficult.

With a little over 40% literacy, education is the key to a brighter future that cannot be compromised. At this time of struggle, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson has postponed its opening for Term 2, to Tuesday, 8th April, 2014.  Travel will be difficult for the students.

The Salesians are looking at possibilities to ensure that students who have to travel great distances have the possibility of staying at the Institute. The Institute is a day school. It does not have proper boarding, dining or sanitization facilities.

“Saturday, has been a bright morning and together with the few boys and girls that are with us we did a bit of cleaning the gym and chapel as both were flooded and filled with mud and silt. It rained in the afternoon, but we are well at Don Bosco. Sunday, we were engaged in pulling the Good Samaritan Hospital ambulance out from the mud.

We ask you to lift us in prayer that we make the right decisions for the good of the students and the future of the country”, said Fr. Pereira.

Published 07/04/2014