Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Death toll in Solomon Islands rises

Posted at 20:45 on 08 February, 2013 UTC

Relief workers in Solomon Islands say clean water and proper hygiene are their top concerns as they work through tsunami-affected areas.

Ten people are dead and thousands remain without shelter following Wednesday’s powerful earthquake and tsunami.

The death toll rose with the discovery of a child’s body in a ditch near the airport at Lata in the Temotu province Friday night.

At least five people are still missing and the premier of Temotu province.

Red Cross relief workers with supplies were due to arrive on the Santa Cruz group’s main island overnight, and UNICEF says it’s also sent supplies including tents, tarpaulins and water purification tablets.

UNICEF says the use of those supplies will help hinder the spread of disease and illnesses such as diarrhoea and skin infections.