Contributed by Tan Yang Wah
It has been almost 3 weeks since the Solomon Islands were hit by an earthquake,
tsunami and landslides. The Red Cross has published
a revised emergency appeal
on 18 April seeking funds of USD1.4m to assist 9,000 people (1,500 families) for
the next 9 months. Their priorities are shelter, water and sanitation.
It may feel like we have been hearing or reading about one disaster after
another in recent years and as a result some of us may be suffering from
“donation/charity–fatigue” by now. However, the suffering of the victims in
every disaster is real and each victim is equally in need of help as the victims
of previous disasters.
Many of the Solomon Islands victims are still in camps as they are afraid to
return to their homes in the coastal areas for fear of further tsunami as a
result of aftershocks. These victims are suffering from outbreaks of diseases
such as diarrhoea, malaria and measles. Water is also scarce as the earthquake
and landslides damaged many water sources, tanks and pipes.
The livelihoods of the surviving families have also been severely affected as
many fishing boats and farms have been destroyed. In the long–term, these
families will need assistance to able to make a living for themselves again.
The Solomon Islands Bar Association (SIBA) has launched an appeal for donations
and has said that the funds will be channelled to the Red Cross or other relief
agencies. It is not often that a fellow Bar association from another country
seeks help and we should help in any way we can.
The Bar Council NYLC has launched a Fund, and collections will close on Monday,
9 May. The money will be given to SIBA thereafter. With more than 12,000 members
of the Bar, a donation of even a small sum of RM50 from each of you will make a
huge difference to the victims.
For details on how to donate, please click here.