NEWS ADVISORY 3

TROPICAL CYCLONE EVAN

New Zealand Red Cross Deploys to Samoa

New Zealand Red Cross has deployed a senior representative to Samoa in an advisory capacity, following consultation with the Samoan Red Cross.

Mr Glenn Rose will depart from Auckland airport at 0730 hours on Saturday 15 December.

The cyclone, which intensified to category 3 overnight, has caused serious damage in Apia.

Mr Rose will work with the Samoan Red Cross to help establish the extent of the damage and the immediate humanitarian needs.

Samoan Red Cross has a central warehouse and six depots around Samoa, which are fully stocked with non-food items such as tarpaulins, first aid kits, water containers and kitchen sets, which volunteers will distribute as soon as the weather clears.

New Zealand Red Cross international operations and emergencies manager Andrew McKie says the early deployment of Mr Rose is part of the Pacific Tropical Cyclone Response Plan.

“We are working in a very co-ordinated way with the MFAT emergency task force. The Red Cross deployment is a proactive step to establish the humanitarian needs as quickly as possible,” Mr McKie says.

Mr McKie also reiterated that if people wanted to help then they are best to do so by donating online.
“We are asking people not to donate goods. If people want to help they can follow the links on www.redcross.org.nz and select the Pacific Disaster Response Fund from the drop down box.”

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