8 Jan 2009

Calls in Solomon Islands for relocation talks to start

12:53 pm on 8 January 2009

The National Disaster Management office in Solomon Islands says recent flooding in outlying islands may make it necessary to relocate some people.

About 400 families in the Malaita outer Island of Sikaiana are in dire need of food relief after waves wiped out food gardens.

Also hit have been Lord Howe and Pelau where relief supplies have been delivered.

The Disaster Management Office's director, Loti Yates, says he's been working on an assessment report which recommends food and medical help to be made available for the next three months.

He says to move people has to be an option.

"When relocation is mentioned that will be the role of the national Government. This will require a fair bit of consultation amongst various Government ministers at various levels. One recommendation that came out quite clear is that we have to relocate part of this population in order to ease land availability."

Loti Yates says relocation talks need to start this year.