Rotary Responds to New Wave of Flooding in Fiji
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. Rotary New Zealand has reopened their public appeal for
funds to respond to this disaster.
Donations would be appreciated to theRotary New Zealand 2012 Fiji Flood Appeal via:
• Rotary New Zealand World Community Servicehttp://www.rnzwcs.org
Donations are tax deductible within NZ.
ENDS