Solomons aid efforts stepped up as disease fears increase

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2007

GIZO, Solomon Islands (AFP) — Aid agencies stepped up relief efforts in the Solomon Islands Saturday as aftershocks rocked the region and fears grew of dysentery among the thousands of homeless tsunami victims.

Two Australian military medical teams were headed for the disaster-stricken western province as a barge full of aid was due in the local capital Gizo carrying tarpaulins, blankets, water, ropes, mosquito nets and medical supplies.

Large quantities of rice for the more than 2,000 survivors sheltering in primitive camps were unloaded from two freighters at Gizo harbour, which lost most of it wharves and jetties in the 8.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami early Monday.

"Aid is arriving steadily now and we are getting it to the camps as quickly...