West of Viti Levu in Fiji is again being devastated by floods. Information from Fiji is this is far worse than January and probably worse than that experienced in 2009. Unfortunately more bad weather is forecast and the Government has requested no further passengers be flown into Nadi for the next couple of days.
Again Rotarians are amongst the first on the ground assisting with food parcels, clothing and Emergency Response Kits. The true need can only be assessed and assistance start once the water levels recede and access can be gained to the affected areas.
Below is a copy of the press release made this morning by Rotary NZ World Community Service (RNZWCS Limited).
We are grateful for the financial support given in January by Clubs, Rotarians, and the public to the "feed a family of four for a week for $40" appeal. Money from this appeal is held by the Rotary NZ World Community service and is being made available immediately to assist with food and assistance.
At this stage there is limited information available from official sources. The extent of outside assistance required, and how this can best be directed, will start to become clearer over the coming days. AS expressed by DG Alan Eyes of District 9920: All Rotarians wish Rotarians and families in Rotary in Fiji well. To those who are on the ground assisting those in need, and those supporting with food and clothing, thank you on behalf of Rotary. You do us proud. Stay safe in what you do.
__________________________________________________________
PRESS RELEASE
Rotary New Zealand has once again been asked for support to assist the communities particularly on the western side of the main island of Viti Levu who are feeling the effects of the second major flood in eight weeks. Spokesperson Stuart Batty says "it appears this time the Fiji people were caught unaware of the torrential rain that is still falling. The devastation is far worse due to the fact that the water table remains high from the big flood in January and heavy rains since. Working through the Disaster Management Committee (the Fiji equivalent of Civil Defence) Rotary is on the ground delivering food and emergency response kits to rescue centres and communities where the level of flooding allows access. Funds to enable Rotary to deliver food parcels has been sent to Fiji."
Last year after consultation with and financial support from the New Zealand Government, Rotary New Zealand prepositioned Emergency Response Kits in Suva and Lautoka. As with the January flood, this initiative allows Rotary to be a first agency on the ground to deliver immediate help. Rotary is receiving support from Budget Rentals who are providing 4 wheel drive vehicles to access the flooded roads. The Vodafone Foundation is also assisting with food parcels. The first delivery of 250 food parcels and emergency response kits were being delivered as soon as access roads opened. Rotary New Zealand has reopened their public appeal for funds to respond to this disaster.
Donations would be appreciated to the Rotary New Zealand 2012 Fiji Flood Appeal via:
- Rotary New Zealand World Community Service http://www.rnzwcs.org where there is a PayPal credit card facility, or
- Internet banking telegraphic transfer to Westpac Banking Corporation, Wellington, NZ account number 03 1702 0192208 02 (international donors will also require Swift Code WPACNZ2W, IBAN Code 031702) for account name RNZWCS Limited (Rotary New Zealand), and include reference Fiji Flood , and/or donor name and club
- Cheque made payable to RNZWCS Limited posted to PO Box 20309, Christchurch 8543, New Zealand
Donations are tax deductible within NZ.
PDG Stuart J Batty JP
Director
RNZWCS Limited (Rotary New Zealand)
PO Box 20309
Christchurch 8543
New Zealand
Ph/Fax 64 3 3599218
cellphone 027 2695615
skype: superbatts
Member : Council for International Development
Charities Commission Reg. No. CC26860
