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Pacnews
Wed, 17 Mar 2010
SUVA, Fiji ----- New Zealand will make an initial $1 million contribution to help relief and recovery efforts in Fiji following Cyclone Tomas, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said today.
“Discussions are underway on how New Zealand’s contribution can be best used to assist the response in Fiji – this could include a contribution to the Red Cross; the purchase of food and materials, and support for the local response.
“A RNZAF Hercules arrived in Suva this morning carrying humanitarian supplies, including tarpaulins, water containers, and water purification tablets.
“Once the cargo has been off-loaded, the Hercules will undertake aerial reconnaissance of the affected areas, and is also likely to deliver supplies to Labasa.
“New Zealand is continuing to work closely with our partners under FRANZ – the joint France, Australia and New Zealand disaster relief agreement – on assisting Fiji, and the clearer assessments of damage that we are expecting today will further inform the New Zealand and broader FRANZ response,” Mr McCully said.
Meanwhile, Australia has pledged up to A$1 million in initial emergency humanitarian assistance to help the people of Fiji recover from the devastation and destruction caused by Cyclone Tomas.
Following an official request for assistance from the Fiji Interim Government, Australia will send emergency relief supplies to Fiji.
An Australian Defence Force C130 is expected to depart from Richmond base as soon as weather permits. A commercial flight will also be available if required.
The Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated clearance will be given for the ADF to land in Fiji and provide immediate support. In addition to the delivery of goods the aircraft could be involved in surveying damaged areas and providing medical evacuations.
The aircraft will carry supplies such as tarpaulins for shelter, water purification tablets and water containers.
Australia will also provide funding to Fiji's National Disaster Management Office to charter transport such as helicopters and boats to deliver much needed relief supplies to remote communities.
Australia will consider further assistance for reconstruction once damage has been more fully assessed.
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