The United Kingdom has announced major support for the Solomon Islands following the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila, with funding directed toward emergency relief, recovery, schools, clean water and disaster response.
In a statement released by the British High Commission Honiara, said the UK Government stands with the people of Solomon Islands following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected and commend the leadership of the Solomon Islands Government, local authorities and communities for their swift response, alongside humanitarian partners.”
The UK said its support is focused on helping communities “recover, rebuild, and stay safe” through a range of humanitarian and recovery programmes.
Under support for children and families, the UK has provided US$150,000 to the United Nations Children’s Fund through its Today and Tomorrow Initiative to repair damaged homes and schools and restore access to clean water.
“This support will help children return to learning, improve safety, and ensure families have access to basic services as communities recover,” the statement said.
The UK also confirmed Solomon Islands had received a rapid payout of US$500,000 through the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company following the cyclone damage.
“UK support to this regional insurance mechanism helps Pacific governments access immediate funding after disasters, easing pressure on national finances and enabling faster response for affected communities,” the statement said.
In some of the worst-affected areas, UK-backed support through the Start Fund is helping around 2,000 vulnerable people with water, sanitation, shelter and food security assistance.
“This assistance, supported by over US$270,000 in funding, is helping families meet their most critical needs,” the statement said.
The UK also highlighted broader humanitarian support through the Central Emergency Response Fund.
“In addition to this support, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated US$2.5 million to support urgent needs in Solomon Islands,” the statement said.
“The UK is a longstanding partner to the CERF and is the largest overall donor to the fund since its inception in 2006, contributing more than US$2 billion in total over the years.”
Support is also being channelled through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Disaster Response Emergency Fund, helping the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society deliver assistance to about 7,500 people.
“A pay out of US$350,000 has been allocated to those that have been severely affected,” the statement said.
The UK said it would continue supporting Solomon Islands as recovery work continues.
“The UK remains committed to standing alongside Solomon Islands as recovery efforts continue.”
