NZ Aid Arrives in Fiji

NZ Aid Arrives in Fiji

A New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) C-130 Hercules arrived in Fiji early this morning to deliver 12 tonnes of relief supplies including food, water and tarpaulins for communi-ties devastated by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

“We have brought emergency supplies including tool kits, generators, water and water containers, ration packs and chainsaws for families affected by the cyclone,” said Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Kevin McEvoy, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zea-land.

“An inter-agency Joint Reconnaissance Team that includes NZDF personnel are now on the ground assisting the government of Fiji in assessing the impact of the cyclone and the needs in affected communities. We stand ready to provide further assistance if re-quired.”

Tropical Cyclone Winston battered Fiji last weekend and left a trail of destruction, particu-larly in the South Pacific country’s northern outlying islands. Water, power and commu-nication outages are expected to continue for several days. Flooding in coastal areas is not forecast to subside until after 2-3 days. Many people also remain in emergency shel-ters.

AIRCDRE McEvoy said a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion aircraft conducted aerial surveillance in Fiji’s northern outlying islands in the past two days in response to a request from Fijian officials and is ready for further tasking.

ENDS

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