Fiji: Sallies take in growing number of refugees

For immediate release

Wellington, Thursday, 15 January 2009

Issued on the Authority of Commissioner Garth McKenzie (Territorial Commander)
The Salvation Army, New Zealand Fiji &Tonga Territory

Sallies take in growing number of refugees as Fijian flooding worsens

The Salvation Army is sheltering a growing number of homeless Fijians as renewed flooding hits the west of the country.

More than 150 people have sought food and shelter in Salvation Army halls in Nadi and Lautoka over the past week. The Salvation Army hall in one of the worst affected towns, Ba, was at one stage sheltering people on its second floor as flood waters surged through the ground floor.

Head of The Salvation Army in Fiji, Major Gordon Daly says he expects the number of people being cared for by The Salvation Army to swell as the second front of heavy rain, this time accompanied by high winds, continues to pummel western Fiji.

He says providing shelter and food to those who have taken refuge with The Salvation Army is only the start of relief work.

"The flooding has left very poor people absolutely destitute. Once the waters recede, we will need to provide food parcels, bedding, pots and utensils and other basics so people can start their lives again, Major Daly said.

With houses demolished by the flooding, finding sufficient emergency accommodation will be critical, he said.

The destruction of crops, power and roading infrastructure and water supplies has been devastating so this will be a long-term effort, he said.

Westpac Bank in Fiji made a FJ$25,000 donation to The Salvation Army to help feed and clothe refugees during the flooding, but ongoing support is needed if affected Fijians are to get their lives back to some form of normality, Major Daly said.

Donations to the Fijian Division of the Salvation Army can be made online at www.salvationarmy.org.nz or by calling 0800 53 00 00, specifying that any donation should go to the Fiji relief fund.

ENDS

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