The Fiji Red Cross Society will distribute relief assistance to those affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold amounting to $200,000.
Following its assessment of Kadavu, the most impacted – where 60 per cent of its infrastructure was destroyed – the bulk of the assistance would go there.
Organisation director Ilisapeci Rokotunidau said: “Kadavu is really badly damaged.
“We have a prepositioned container and PA (Provincial Administrator) Kadavu is going to be left responsible for that because the weather is still unpredictable.
Because of the extent of the damages, they were worried about possible injuries in the villages who would need immediate care.
“Vodafone also went last Thursday to try to set up their towers again.
“Even NDMO (National Disaster Management Office) had sent instructions if the villages who were badly damaged could wave red flags for assistance especially the injured. We are worried about that. But of course, the message did not get there because of poor communication.”
A Red Cross team had accompanied a government assessment team to Vatulele over the weekend.
“Our volunteers will go later when Government permits and if people are allowed to go down because there are still COVID-19 restrictions in place,” she said.
Kits include:
- Standard dignity packs for women,
- Household packs which includes clothing and household items and kitchen needs
Ms Rokotunidau said: “A lot of the assistance we give is basically to initially support them and their families so that at least they have clothes, blankets and water.
Relief assistance from the Red Cross Society to villages in Kadavu as they were the most impacted after the destruction of TC Harold. Photo: Fiji Red Cross Society Facebook page
“It is basically the bare necessities that families would require and cooking utensils.”
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
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