Rotary New Zealand responds to Cyclone Gita
13 February 2018
Rotary New Zealand in collaboration with Rotary Tonga, and other trusted partners in the region has launched an appeal
for cash donations to provide practical support for families affected by Cyclone Gita.
Catastrophic damage from the cyclone and resulting flooding are of major concern throughout the impacted region,
including schools, health and community centres. Many are providing emergency shelter to vulnerable people, whose homes
have been severely damaged due to violent winds, falling trees and flooding.
To date there have been no recorded deaths, but estimates suggest many thousands of people have been affected and are
now in need of immediate and ongoing humanitarian assistance.
Rotary New Zealand in collaboration with the Tonga National Disaster Management Office have responded with the release
of the first 500 Rotary Emergency Response Kits (Kits) this morning prepositioned in Tonga prior to the cyclone season
which will be supplemented with supplies of food and safe drinking water by our partners and other NGOs. Providing
support for those who are able to remain in their homes, is also a priority providing basic supplies for their health
and wellbeing at a time of traumatic physical and mental anguish.
Without the intervention from organisations such as Rotary New Zealand and in country Rotary clubs and trusted partners,
there is always a heightened risk of waterborne diseases.
Donation options may be found on www.rnzwcs.org
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