CWS Appeals for Help for Fiji Flood Victims

Christian World Service has launched an appeal to provide immediate assistance for those who live in Fiji’s informal settlements affected by severe flooding.

The Fiji government has declared parts of the Western District an emergency.

Long term partner, ECREA (Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy) has assessed the needs of those made homeless by severe flooding in Fiji’s Western District in cooperation with the Peoples Community Network. They have identified over 750 families from the Bila, Korociri and Navakai communities around Nadi whose homes are underwater. Another 400 families face flooding in Navutu, Nasoata and Nasinu around Lautoka. Counselling and psycho social support have been identified as a top priority, especially as those living in the informal settlements can miss out on government assistance. Basic supplies needed are: water, tinned food, biscuits, school stationery, water tanks, tarpaulins, bathing and washing soap.

CWS has launched an appeal for $5,000 for ECREA’s work.

In supporting the call for assistance, the Pacific Conference of Churches’ Climate and Disaster Risk Officer, Reverend Ikani Tolu, says “Whatever little you can contribute will go a long way for our brother and sisters in Western Viti Levu, as well as in Vanua Levu, majority of who have lost their belongings in the floods”.

“School has just begun and it’s unfortunate that this disaster has come at this critical time. However, I take heart in the fact that human beings are resilient and aided with timely gestures of compassion and outreaching, we can rebuild to help restore hope and dignity to those most in need.”

“Through all this, let us pray for one another and our country so that God can comfort those who have lost loved ones and those who continue to face difficulties at this time,” Rev. Tolu said.

CWS has launched this appeal in cooperation with Caritas. ECREA is a long term partner for both organisations, working to uphold the rights and improve the livelihoods for people living in Fiji’s informal settlements.
Donations can be made on line at: www.cws.org.nz/donate or sent to PO Box 22652, Christchurch 8140.

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