CARITAS Australia is working with its partners in the Solomon Islands to assist thousands of people devastated by the April 2 earthquake and tsunami.
Caritas has been active in the western province for more than 10 years and its local partners were the first to reach many of those impacted by the tragedy.
Just days after the tragedy, a party of Caritas staff and supporters from Don Bosco Technical College were the first to arrive on isolated Simbo Island with relief supplies which included water tanks, pipes for sanitation, ropes, tarpaulins and clothing.
Caritas Australia was the first aid agency to have trauma counsellors on the ground working with local people.
Caritas Solomon Islands chairman and head of the Catholic diocese of Gizo, Bishop Bernard O’Grady, said people were still in a state of shock.
Bishop O’Grady said his cathedral was partially destroyed in the earthquake.
