Australia and New Zealand work together to support disaster recovery in Fiji

Australia and New Zealand will together provide up to F$1 million to assist the people of Fiji respond to the effects of the flooding that has caused extensive damage in recent days.

Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office reports indicate that more than 1,500 people have been evacuated because of the floods which now affect most parts of the country but, more particularly, the Western Division.

Australia’s acting Head of Mission Ms Judith Robinson and New Zealand’s acting Head of Mission Mr Phillip Taula today announced that their governments will contribute up to F$500,000 each to help the rehabilitation efforts.

This assistance will be made immediately available to the Fiji Red Cross for the distribution of essential relief items to those in need, followed by support for other agencies identified as best placed to meet immediate needs. It will enable the Fiji Red Cross and agencies to replenish pre-positioned emergency supplies like water purification tablets, blankets and tarpaulins and support the provision of much needed emergency supplies to affected communities.