Water needed in cyclone hit West

FIJI – There is an acute and widespread need for water in Fiji’s west following the weekend’s dousing by Cyclone Josie.

The Fiji Red Cross’ Western Division services co-ordinator Mathew Bolaitamana said Red Cross workers had been helping the worst-affected communities in Nadi and Ba.

Bolaitamana said firemen had also helped with the clean-up and with carting water to those in need.

He said the government is channelling resources to restoring broken mains and damaged reservoirs.

He said many communities had shown great initiative in beginning the clean-up effort in their own areas themselves.

The Fiji Red Cross has been giving out aid supplies to those worst affected, including dignity kits, hygiene packs, and solar lights.

The government is advising people to take precautions about use of water due to the risk of disease in the aftermath of the flooding.

A Ba resident, Vanu Tuvuki, has tweeted on #femlinkpacific: “No transport today, no electricity. Still cleaning up. Also running low on water, farms all destroyed. It’s one of our biggest floods ever in Koronubu – recovery will be a long haul for women in Ba. - RNZI