Red Cross Sends Aid Workers To Fiji

www.redcross.org.nz

NEWS RELEASE

1 February 2013

Red Cross Sends Aid Workers To Fiji

New Zealand Red Cross has sent two aid workers to Fiji to help repair equipment damaged in Tropical Cyclone Evan. They are there at the request of Fiji Red Cross, which has identified several problems in the last few weeks.

Greg Johns of Whangarei and Matthew Poole from Auckland are spending two weeks troubleshooting IT and telecommunications and giving refresher training to Fiji Red Cross on how to get the best out of satellite phones and VHF radio.

New Zealand donated the phones and portable VHF repeaters to the Fiji Red Cross Society several years ago.

Tropical Cyclone Evan caused severe damage to homes and crops in both Fiji and Samoa in mid-December. In Fiji alone 25,000 people needed shelter and other assistance.

The two Red Cross delegates will help repair internet and email connections and fix any other urgent operational problems.

New Zealand Red Cross chief executive John Ware says Mr Johns’ and Mr Poole’s help will enable Fiji Red Cross to again be well prepared next time a disaster strikes.

“New Zealand Red Cross has a close relationship with Fiji Red Cross. Almost every year a cyclone or flood strikes Fiji and having good telecommunications is so important for Fiji Red Cross to be able to respond effectively. We are happy to help.”

ENDS

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