Solomon Islands : Rapid Assessment of the Macro and Sectoral Impacts of Flash Floods in the Solomon Islands, April 2014

Abstract

A slow-moving tropical depression caused persistent heavy rains in the Solomon Islands between April 1 and 4, 2014. The highest recorded daily rainfall associated with this event was 318mm in Honiara on April 3. The rains caused flash flooding in Honiara, Guadalcanal, Isabel, Malaita, and Makira-Ulawa. More than 732mm of rain was recorded over four days at the Honiara rain gauge, although heavier rainfall was reported inland. On April 5, as the system moved away from the Solomon Islands, it was upgraded to Tropical Cyclone Ita. The Solomon Islands government has worked with the international community, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to address humanitarian response needs. The government has sought assistance from Pacific humanitarian team personnel (which is led by the United Nations office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs), and has also requested supplies to support response efforts. The methodology used for assessing the effects of a disaster or extreme event proceeds from the bottom up: information about the effects of the event is captured sector by sector, and the data are aggregated to arrive at the event s total effect on society and the economy. The ultimate goal of the assessment is to measure in monetary and social terms the disaster's impact on the society, economy, and environment of the affected country or region.