|
Fiji Times/Fiji Sun/Pacnews
Wed, 17 Mar 2010
SUVA, Fiji --- A 30-day State of Emergency has been declared for two of Fiji’s administrative divisions worst hit by Cyclone Tomas.
The National Disaster Management Office declared the northern and eastern divisions as emergency areas to ensure law and order and relief work is carried out quickly.
DISMAC operations officer, Anthony Blake said military and navy personnel will be deployed as soon as possible to facilitate relief efforts, including provision of food and basic supplies.
Fiji’s eastern division comprises islands in Lomaiviti and Lau group of islands, while the northern division is made up of Fiji’s second largest island Vanua Levu, Taveuni and surrounding smaller islands including Cikobia.
As cyclone Tomas moves away from Fiji, its devastation is believed to be widespread. More than 70 homes have been destroyed in the northern division and more deaths are expected.
"We now have reports from the Northern Division as well as intermittent reports from the Eastern Division," said Blake.
He said airports suffered some damage to runways and terminal buildings.
Mr Blake said the state of disaster allowed divisional commissioners to use all government resources to respond to the situation
Two naval vessels will leave today for the two affected areas carrying immediate relief needs.
“The supplies will be for people affected by Hurricane Tomas in Cikobia and the Lomaiviti Group.
The needs so far identified include tarpaulin sheets and water tanks.
"The government ship will leave later with a better idea of relief and ration needs in the northern division," Mr Blake said.
A French aircraft has been engaged to assist with aerial surveys and is expected to arrive today.
"Cikobia is the first island targeted as part of the aerial survey tomorrow," he said yesterday.
|
