Fiji Devastation: “worse than we could ever have imagined”

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand

MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26 February 2016

Cyclone Winston devastation in Fiji: “worse than we could ever have imagined”

In Fiji, Cyclone Winston reached wind speeds of 325km/hour overnight on Saturday, 20 February. The damage is extreme and includes flooding, major loss of crops, destroyed buildings, loss of electricity and water and telecommunications connectivity. Entire villages have also been destroyed in some areas.

Speaking from the town of Ba (in the north-western area of Viti Levu island), Iosefa Nainima, Director of the Justice and Development Commission, Archdiocese of Suva said, “the devastation is far worse than we could have imagined”.

“Food supplies, water, shelter (tarpaulins and tents) are likely to be the greatest needs. Tools and seeds will also be important for people to meet their medium/long term food requirements."

The Caritas confederation is the second largest humanitarian networks in the world and Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has a good relationship with the Archdiocese in Suva, who through their Justice and Peace Commission networks, cover the entire country.

"We are staying in contact with them to find out about the ongoing situation on the ground while they make a full assessment of the most pressing needs," says Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Director Julianne Hickey.

"Caritas is ready to respond with support as soon as we hear where our partners need it most and where we can be most effective."

The storm is the strongest ever to have appeared in the Southern Hemisphere, and there are nearly 50,000 people taking shelter in 800 evacuation centres at present. The Fijian Government has declared a 30 day nation-wide state of emergency.

In Tonga there was also widespread destruction and more than 2,500 people evacuated from their homes. Caritas has trained volunteers who previously responded to the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Ian in 2014, and crucial supplies that were pre-positioned are being distributed.

After responding to immediate needs following the cyclone, Caritas will continue working with communities in Fiji and Tonga to build back stronger and prepare for future emergencies.

Caritas is accepting donations to the Fiji Fund for their response to this major emergency and the long-term recovery. You can donate online at www.caritas.org.nz or you can call Caritas on 0800 22 10 22.

To arrange interviews and for more information, please contact Communications, Marketing and Fundraising Advisor Crispin Anderlini on 021 190 9908 or email to crispin@caritas.org.nz

ENDS

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