New Zealand Red Cross Responds to Pacific Storms

New Zealand Red Cross Responds to Pacific Storms

Two New Zealand Red Cross humanitarian aid workers are preparing to fly to the Pacific today to help in the clean up after Tropical Cyclones Pat and Rene.

Douglas Clark, from Dunedin, a veteran of many Red Cross emergencies will be deployed to Tonga for up to three weeks as a disaster assessment specialist to help deliver disaster response after Cyclone Rene.

Clare Shave, of Christchurch, who joined Red Cross teams after the Indian Ocean tsunami and Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, will be deployed to Rarotonga today to join Cook Islands Red Cross Society counterparts responding to the cyclones. Cyclone Pat damaged almost all buildings on Aitutaki.

“The Red Cross is known for its work with emergencies. It’s the leading organisation in that particular area so it’s a great privilege to be involved with it,” says Shave, who is a chartered accountant.

Yesterday, a New Zealand Air Force Hercules flew to Rarotonga packed with New Zealand Red Cross relief supplies. The plane has since been reloaded, with the aim of making four drops on Aitutaki today. Among the supplies are tarpaulins, tents, water containers, candles, a generator and chainsaws. A branch of the Cook Islands Red Cross has been conducting assessments and is on hand to distribute aid on Aitutaki.

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

The New Zealand government has given $200,000 in aid to the Cook Islands Red Cross to help with recovery efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone Pat.

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

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