Red Cross Action in Fiji

Red Cross Action in Fiji

Fiji Red Cross Society emergency response teams are supplying aid to up to 18,000 evacuees and conducting disaster assessments.

Evacuees are receiving relief items such as tarpaulins, food, blankets, drinking water, water purification tablets and water containers and teams of first aiders and trained assessment personnel have been deployed to the worst affected areas in Bua, Seaqaua and south-east Vanua Levu.

New Zealand Red Cross international operations manager Andrew McKie says islands directly in the cyclone's path have been affected.

“Power and communications remain unstable and assessments are yet to be completed in order to get a full picture of the situation in Fiji. There have been reports of damage to buildings and homes,” Mr McKie says.

It is estimated that assessments will be completed on Friday.

The New Zealand government has made an initial contribution of $1 million to help relief and recovery efforts in Fiji, a portion of which will go to Red Cross.

New Zealanders currently in Fiji are advised to follow any instructions issued by local authorities, monitor local media reports and register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at www.safetravel.govt.nz

People can make donations to the New Zealand Red Cross Tropical Cyclone Response Fund by visiting www.redcross.org.nz/donate

ENDS

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