New Zealand Red Cross Restores VHF Network

New Zealand Red Cross

National Office

www.redcross.org.nz

NEWS ADVISORY 5

TROPICAL CYCLONE EVAN

20 December 2012

New Zealand Red Cross Restores VHF Network

New Zealand Red Cross delegates have repaired the Samoan Red Cross VHF network, restoring island wide two-way radio communication.

The Red Cross team was deployed to Samoa on Tuesday 18 December following consultation with the Samoan Red Cross and the New Zealand Government.

The team are working directly with the Samoan Red Cross, providing expertise in logistics, sanitation and information technology.

The New Zealand Red Cross health delegate is providing public health advice and conducting hand washing campaigns in the evacuation centres.

A 12 KVA generator is being flown into Samoa on Friday to provide electricity back up for the Samoan Red Cross headquarters.

New Zealand Red Cross international operations and emergencies manager Andrew McKie says

the deployment of the Red Cross team 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 delegates are currently providing support and assistance to the Samoan Red Cross headquarters operation,” 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.”

New Zealanders intending on travelling to Samoa or Fiji are advised to contact their travel agent or accommodation provider directly to check whether their accommodation booking has been affected by the cyclone.

New Zealanders in the region are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

ENDS

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