12 Dead, Dozens Missing In Solomon Islands Floods; Speed Of River's Rise Surprised Residents

[hatrack]

Dozens of people are still missing after flash floods that have killed at least 12 people and left some 10,000 homeless in the Solomon Islands. Local media said about 30 people remained unaccounted for following Thursday's flooding.

Much of the capital Honiara was inundated as thousands of people took refuge in emergency shelters. A state of emergency has been declared amid concerns over food and water supplies and damaged infrastructure.

Solomons Red Cross Secretary General Joanne Zoleveke described the floods as "a tragedy none of us saw coming".

Honiara's main river, the Matanikau, burst its banks in the storm, sweeping away houses and bridges and flooding the downtown area. "We were watching the river but never expected it to rise so fast. It took us by surprise. That is why there are deaths," Mr Zoleveke said.

Eleven evacuation centres have been set up at schools and at Honiara's international airport, the World Vision aid agency says.

EDIT

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26899336

[dhill926]

1. horrible….