UNICEF Assists Those In Cyclone Affected Areas

UNICEF Assists Those In Cyclone Affected Areas

Suva, 19 March, 2010 – Landslides, destruction to homes, schools and health
centers, and damage to vegetation were sighted when United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF Pacific) Emergency Coordinator, Mr Hamish
Weatherly, accompanied the Australian Airforce which flew over the cyclone
affected areas from Cikobia Island to the Southern Lau Islands yesterday.

“It was visible that storm surges and some flooding took place for instance
in Cicia Island,” said Mr. Weatherly, adding that “we were not able to land
but we could see that damage to buildings were either to schools or health
centers.”

In response, UNICEF Pacific sent 15 emergency health kits to the Northern
and Eastern Division for use and further distribution to those most
affected by Cyclone Tomas.

Each emergency health kit can be used for 1,000 people and contains medical
supplies such as dressing trays, forceps and antibiotics, as well as oral
rehydration salts.

UNICEF is also sending 2,000 (10 litres) collapsible containers,
communication material explaining how to purify water, soap to the affected
areas.

There are other supplies such as tents for temporary school shelters that
are ready to be dispatched if requested.

UNICEF staff who are members of its internal Pacific Emergency Response
Team (PERT) are scheduled to leave for the affected areas this weekend to
participate in a multi-agency rapid assessment on the situation of children
and women in the Evacuation Centers.

Results from the rapid assessments will provide a basis for a potential
response with further relief supplies.

ENDS