Fiji -  More than 80 metric tons of International Organization for Migration (IOM) relief supplies have arrived in Fiji to alleviate the suffering of the many tens of thousands of Fijians severely affected by Cyclone Winston – the most powerful storm to hit the South Pacific which made landfall in the Pacific nation late last month.

The consignment, funded through the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), comprises of a broad range of items that will bring immediate relief to almost 27,000 affected people. In addition to shelter kits, containing tarpaulins, tools and fixings, the supplies also include communal tents, solar lanterns and street lights. The goods have been dispatched from IOM’s Global Administrative Centre in the Philippines and IOM is working closely with the Fijian Government and civil society in its strategy for delivering assistance.

The Humanitarian Coordinator for Fiji, Osnat Lubrani said: “The humanitarian community stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Fiji and its government as they respond to the catastrophic impacts of Tropical Cyclone Winston. Approximately 40 per cent of Fiji’s population has been affected by this disaster and these supplies will provide immediate assistance to people currently living without shelter and electricity in the worst hit parts of the country. The Fijian people are extremely resilient and are keen to get on with the task of rebuilding their homes. These supplies will give them the tools and equipment they need to make that happen. Fijians face a long road to recovery and have our full support as they rebuild.”

The Commissioner of Western Division, Lieutenant Colonel Manasa Tagicakibau, received the goods on behalf of the Fijian Government and expressed  appreciation for this timely and important international support.  The commissioner specifically expressed thanks to IOM for bringing in relief items to Fiji and demonstrating the organization’s commitment towards humanity.

“We are still trying to come to terms with the effects of the cyclone, so the arrival of this cargo is a real boost to Fiji as a whole. The temporary shelters will be important in moving people out of the evacuation centres and helping people to stand on their own two feet again, and I thank IOM for this,” Commissioner Tagicakibau said.

The Fijian government has identified shelter as the top on its priority and IOM will be joining humanitarian partners in working with the Government to ensure no Fijian is left behind.

On March 4, the Fijian Government and the United Nations jointly launched a US$38.6 million emergency humanitarian appeal to cover life-saving projects after Cyclone Winston.  A total of US$8 million has been contributed towards the Appeal through the Central Emergency Relief Fund, part of which has funded this cargo delivery.

For further information please contact Arieta Moceica at IOM Fiji. Tel: +679 9076 071, Email: amoceica@iom.int