AirSource assists Solomon Islands government following flash flooding in Honiara
The Solomon Islands Government says at least 16 people have died in flash flooding that has left thousands homeless in the capital, Honiara.
Government spokesman George Hemming has told the ABC search and rescue efforts are ongoing, but are hampered by heavy rain and the huge waves that are battering the coastline.
Mr Hemming says 16 bodies were recovered on Friday morning and an unconfirmed number of people are still missing.
Oxfam Solomon Islands country director Katie Greenwood says the floods are causing unprecedented damage.
Ms Greenwood says there has been a significant loss of houses along Mataniko River, widespread infrastructure damage and reports of landslides and flooding on the western and eastern plains of Guadalcanal.
She says Honiara residents are sheltering in schools and at the international airport, but relief agencies and the government will have to find better longer-term solutions.
Ms Greenwood says the flash floods are one of the worst disasters ever to hit Solomon Islands.
AirSource have been called on to assist the RAAF in moving troops and equipment from the Air Force Base in Townsville, Queensland, Australia to Honiara in the C130 Hercules, Boeing C-17 Globemaster.
Flights available to book and fly for the next month only in the Humanitarian Flights category in the Bid Division.
