Cyclone Harold
Ken Booth recently emailed district club members about this event which included the following information from Stuart.
Cyclone Harold has devastated parts of Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu. Those areas most seriously affected according to information supplied to the NZ Govt. by the respective National Disaster Management Offices (NDMO) are :
- Fiji: the Islands of Kadavu, Lau, Western Division (Lautoka, Nadi), Central Division
- Tonga: the Islands of Tongatapu, E’ua
- Vanuatu: Banks Islands, Santo, Malakula, and Pentecost
The number of families affected, whilst significant, is not as for previous high category cyclones in recent years. Further, communities are better prepared than in past years mitigating damage.
We have been working with the NZ Govt. Aid Logistics (MFAT), Rotary Clubs and the NDMO in all three countries. Rotarian Bob Niranjan is our representative in Fiji to ensure coordination between MFAT and NDMO. Rotary Emergency Response Kits (ERKs) have and continue to be distributed.
They are for most beneficiaries, the first tangible support they have or will receive. Thanks to Rotarians in all three countries for their support in getting the ERKs to where directed by the NDMO’s.
This approach ensures that Rotary is the only agency supplying this type of relief and eliminates the risk of duplication
Rotary cannot do the distribution alone and is grateful to Govt. agencies (e.g. military in Fiji) and local businesses and NGO’s (e.g. MORDI in Tonga). We anticipate that in excess of 600 families have or will receive a Kit, but this figure may go higher.
Replenishment stock will need to be purchased and assembled in New Zealand as soon as Corvid 19 allows. As expressed earlier, we appreciate the implications on clubs from Corvid 19, but know this request will receive consideration.
Best wishes and thanks to all from those people who you will never meet, but benefit from your generosity.
PDG Stuart J Batty
Note: see Ken’s emails dated 17 Apr & 24 Apr for more details.