Updated 16.00 (AEDT) Tuesday 20 April 2004
Australian officials in Fiji and Canberra, together with our FRANZ Agreement
partners France and New Zealand, are continuing to work closely with the Fiji
National Disaster Management Office, the Fiji Red Cross and other relevant
authorities to identify needs and deliver assistance to flood affected Fiji.
A tropical depression passed over the Fiji Islands on 8 April, causing
torrential rains and flooding. Fresh storms occurred in Fiji the following week.
As floodwaters recede, access to clean drinking water has become a primary
health concern.
Australia has delivered over 200,000 water purification tablets in response
to a request from the Government of Fiji to help ensure the people of Fiji have
access to clean drinking water.
Australia is also delivering over 400 large tarpaulins and 400, 20 litre
collapsible water containers to help 400 families who have lost their homes and
are currently in evacuation centres. These items will be part of a family
support package developed and distributed by the Fiji Red Cross.
Australia and New Zealand are contributing to the Fiji Red Cross' relief
supplies.
9 people are confirmed dead and a further 11 people are missing. Crops,
livestock, houses, roads and bridges have been affected and flash flooding in
Suva has resulted in damage to stock and commercial premises.
Localised damage has also been reported in the north of Fiji's main island,
Viti Levu and in the Yasawa Island Group.
According to reports from Fiji's Disaster Management Centre, more than 17,000
people in the west of the country need assistance. A further 2,700 people have
been evacuated from the Central Division.
The Australian Foundation for Peoples of Asia and South Pacific Limited
(AFAP) has established an appeal for Fiji.
The donation hot line number is 1800 007 308 and website is www.afap.org.
See also: How Australia Responds to Emergencies