Tens of thousands of people remain homeless in Fiji after Cyclone Winston devastated the Pacific Island nation more than a week ago.
Whole communities were flattened by the cyclone which crossed the nation on 20th and 21st February, bringing with it wind gusts of up to 325kph. The Category 5 storm was the strongest to ever hit the nation and one of the most severe ever recorded in the Pacific.
Top: Damaged buildings in Fiji ; Bottom – NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this visible image of Tropical Cyclone Winston in the South Pacific Ocean, west of Fiji. PICTURES: Red Cross Australia/NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Response Team/Jeff Schmaltz
The cyclone cut a swathe of destruction across the island nation as it moved from east to west, affecting the main island of Vitu Levu as well as smaller islands.
Rooves have been blown off buildings, trees and powerlines brought down and rivers flooded and the UN reports that among the worst affected islands at that of Koro where whole villages have been wiped out. Witnesses there have told reporters about people been killed by huge waves caused by the storm.
The death toll rose throughout last week as contact was made with more remote communities and now stands at 43.
It’s been reported that as many as 60,000 people are sheltering in evacuation centres. The Fijian Government has declared a 30 day State of Natural Disaster. Some schools will reopen today.
The Fijian Government reportedly said last week that the damage bill from the cyclone was at least $650 million.
Earlier, Australian Red Cross aid worker Susan Slattery told Australian TV after that storm that the scale of damage was “absolutely massive”.
Jennifer Worthington, Oxfam Australia’s humanitarian coordinator, said on Tuesday that providing clean water will be a vital part of the relief effort.
“Clean water will be vital to prevent the risk of a secondary disaster rearing its head in the days and weeks following Tropical Cyclone Winston,” she said.
An Oxfam water and sanitation expert was flying to Fiji from Melbourne yesterday to support the Fijian Government- led response.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the country would provide $5 million in emergency aid and the use of a P-3 Orion aircraft and rescue helicopters. HMAS Canberra is expected to arrive in the nation this week to help with relief efforts.
TO DONATE:
• Anglican Aid: Call 1800 653 903 or visit www.anglicanaid.org.au
• Australian Red Cross – Tropical Cyclone Winston Appeal: Call 1800 811 700 or visit www.redcross.org.au/cyclonewinstonappeal
• Oxfam Australia: www.oxfam.org.au/icf
• Act for Peace: www.actforpeace.org.au
