New Zealand Red Cross On Alert For Next Tropical Storm

Red Cross aid workers in New Zealand and around the Pacific are on alert as Tropical Cyclone Rene gathers strength, threatening Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.

New Zealand Red Cross humanitarian aid workers remain on standby to fly to the Cook Islands to assist the Cook Islands Red Cross Society after Tropical Cyclone Pat, which battered Aitutaki on Thursday.

New Zealand Red Cross international operations manager, Andrew McKie says, “Cyclone Rene has followed Cyclone Pat closely, and we are currently gearing up in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.”

“Preparations include issuing warnings, identifying people who might need special assistance to evacuate (eg, older people or those with disabilities), securing infrastructure and making sure all satellite phones are charged and working.”

In the Cook Islands, Red Cross volunteers are assessing the damage and identifying the needs of residents and holidaymakers.

New Zealand Red Cross will be sending tarpaulins and kitchen sets to Aitutaki this afternoon in addition to relief items sent yesterday.

Up to 90 per cent of houses on Aitutaki are reported to be severely damaged, with disruption to phones, roads, electricity and air transport.

New Zealand Red Cross is raising funds for the Cook Islands disaster and recovery operation. Donations can be made at www.redcross.org.nz.

New Zealand Red Cross has been working closely with the New Zealand government in the coordination of the disaster response for the Cook Islands, and is also in close contact other Pacific Red Cross National Societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Ends.