Solomon Island RPCVs Derek and Jennifer Snelling worry of tsunami fallout



The couple were assigned to Santa Isabel Island from 1995 to 1997. Their post was some 200 miles east of Gizo, which experienced a much smaller tsunami while the couple were on Isabel and where Sunday's earthquake-spawned wave caused widespread damage. They small earthquakes and even tsunamis are part of life in the region but fear that the devastation of Sunday's wave far exceeds what islanders have come to expect. they say the islands' geography and economy tend to concentrate people in the tsunami danger zone. Derek Snelling said most islanders live close to beaches, in part because inland terrain is rugged and mountainous, and in part because food, transportation and other needs are closely tied to the sea. "We were aware of the threat while we were there," said Snelling, now a local attorney. "We heard the waves lapping right by our house. It was one of the things to look out for."

Solomon Island RPCVs Derek and Jennifer Snelling worry of tsunami fallout

Eugene couple worry of tsunami fallout

By Greg Bolt

The Register-Guard

Published: Tuesday, April 3, 2007

A Eugene couple who spent two years in the Solomon Islands as Peace Corps volunteers said small earthquakes and even tsunamis are part of life in the region but fear that the devastation of Sunday's wave far exceeds what islanders have come to expect.

Derek and Jennifer Snelling, who worked on rural development projects in the Solomons, said the islands' geography and economy tend to concentrate people in the tsunami danger zone.

Derek Snelling said most islanders live close to beaches, in part because inland terrain is rugged and mountainous, and in part because food, transportation and other needs are closely tied to the sea.

"We were aware of the threat while we were there," said Snelling, now a local attorney. "We heard the waves lapping right by our house. It was one of the things to look out for."
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The couple were assigned to Santa Isabel Island from 1995 to 1997. Their post was some 200 miles east of Gizo, which experienced a much smaller tsunami while the couple were on Isabel and where Sunday's earthquake-spawned wave caused widespread damage.

Isabel was not seriously affected by the smaller tsunami that hit Gizo during the Snellings' assignment in the Solomons. But even that modest wave caused significant damage to the small town's central market and business area, Derek Snelling said.

It still was not clear Monday whether any parts of Santa Isabel Island were affected, but the island's main village is on the eastern shore opposite the direction of the tsunami.

Snelling said they now hear only occasionally from islanders they befriended on their mission, and then only by traditional letters that can take months to arrive. The village where they stayed had no electricity, much less computers or the Internet.

The couple have heard from fellow volunteers who served with them, and all are concerned about the reports of severe damage.

The nation still is recovering from political and economic upheavals that began in the late 1990s, which caused the Peace Corps to leave the area.

"Having this happen on top of that is going to be difficult for the country," Snelling said.

Snelling said Gizo was trying to establish itself as a draw for tourists, and was increasingly popular among scuba divers.

The area is known for its numerous World War II wrecks and tropical coral reefs and lagoons.

The islands had few roads or other infrastructure and most homes, at least on the less developed islands, were made from materials harvested or salvaged from the jungle, he said. People in many areas largely subsisted on fish and fruits and vegetables that they could grow themselves in their small gardens.

That dependence on both the sea and the shore most likely will make recovery difficult, he said.

"Everything is very centered on the ocean," Snelling said. "Everyone was pretty happy to live near the beach. They're really vulnerable."

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Headlines: April, 2007; Peace Corps Solomon Islands; Directory of Solomon Islands RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Solomon Islands RPCVs; Tsunami Relief; The Peace Corps Library; Peace Corps History; Bulletin Board; Recent Peace Corps News

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