Death Toll Doubles To 42 After Fiji Cyclone

The death toll from Cyclone Winston remained at 42 Thursday with at least four others still missing. This morning the sustained winds close to the centre of TC Winston were estimated to be 111km/h, with the system over open waters southeast of Vanuatu and southwest of Fiji.

Perrin said 2,000 families were homeless on Koro alone, and two ships were steaming to the island with relief supplies.

Fiji’s Representative to the United Nations said 14,000 people were sheltering in 274 evacuation centres, and a 30-day state of natural disaster had been declared by the government.

Several countries, including China, India, New Zealand, and Australia have offered emergency aid.

“We haven’t been able to make contact with all parts of Fiji, although with the assistance of the New Zealand Air Force we’ve managed to do aerial inspections across nearly all of the islands”, he added.

New Zealand Defence personnel loading supplies into NZDF C-130 Hercules in New Zealand yesterday.

“This unique support in a time of heightened stress and anxiety helps them forget about what they have been through, while also giving parents a much-needed opportunity to return home, assess the damage, and start the rebuilding process”, Ms Low McKenzie explained.

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said many people had been left without power, fresh water or communications.

“In the immediate aftermath of a disaster such as a cyclone, UNICEF’s first priority is to ensure the protection and wellbeing of the most vulnerable, including children, pregnant women and new mothers”, said UNICEF Pacific Deputy Representative Isabelle Austin.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said the vessel would leave Auckland this weekend and would be carrying building materials, water storage tanks and medical supplies.

Many scientists are linking severe storms and blizzards to climate change, and say it will only get worse.

“I offer my deepest condolences to the people of Fiji for the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston, and my honest sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods”, said ADB President Takehiko Nakao.