4 Apr 2007

Solomons Western province Premier says fuel shortages hampering rescue efforts

9:37 am on 4 April 2007

The premier of Solomons Western Province, Alex Lokopio, says they are struggling to mobilise teams to all the affected areas because of a fuel shortage in the area.

He says today they will continue to organise transportation to various areas where there are landslides, reports of missing people.

"There are a lot of people who are homeless at this time but we have been trying our very best since yesterday to get to those places but we have been affected by the fuel shortage at this time."

Alex Lokopio says there are reports of assistance from New Zealand and Australia which he hopes will reach there soon.