Red Cross Supporting Hardest Hit Communities in Fiji

18 March 2016

Red Cross Supporting Hardest Hit Communities in Fiji One Month After Cyclone

One month after Cyclone Winston tore through Fiji, Red Cross continues to provide much-needed emergency aid and emotional support to affected communities.

Thousands of people remain in evacuation centres after the category five storm made landfall on February 20, destroying homes and infrastructure.

Since the cyclone, Red Cross has assisted more than 40,000 people across Fiji. Red Cross volunteers continue to distribute emergency relief items, assess damage to houses and are working to improve health by ensuring people have access to safe water as well as hygiene materials and practices.

Following the cyclone, New Zealand Red Cross sent its largest ever deployment of relief supplies to Fiji. Thirty three tonnes of Red Cross relief supplies, including blankets, tarpaulins, mosquito nets and water cans, were dispatched on the first New Zealand Defence Force aid flights.

New Zealand Red Cross has also provided its Restoring Family Links service, helping people make contact with missing family members, and deployed aid workers to support Fiji Red Cross.

Three IT and Telecommunications aid workers have been deployed from New Zealand to restore communication networks, while a psychological first aid trainer is helping ensure affected communities can access emotional support, using resources developed after the Christchurch earthquake.

New Zealand Red Cross Secretary General Tony Paine says Cyclone Winston was one of the strongest cyclones ever to hit in the region, and everyone in Fiji has been affected in some way.

“We know of many Red Cross volunteers who lost their own homes, but who are still out there every day, helping their communities.

“A lot of good work has been done already, but we know the impact will be felt for a long time. Red Cross will work to support the people of Fiji through their recovery journey.”

New Zealand Red Cross’ emergency appeal has raised more than $1.2 million for Fiji, thanks to the generosity of thousands of Kiwis and businesses. People can donate to the Fiji Appeal at redcross.org.nz, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to support efforts on the ground in Fiji.

ENDS

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