20 January 2003 - Assistance For Fiji Victims Of Cyclone Ami

Australia has provided $47,500 to the Fiji Red Cross Society appeal for vulnerable communities devastated by Cyclone Ami.

A cheque for the amount was handed over to the Director-General of the Red Cross, Ms Alison Cupit in Suva today by the Acting Australian High Commissioner, Mr Richard Ryan.

The Australian funds will be used for local purchase of communication equipment, water tanks, containers, pumps and generators, family packs and tarpaulins.

As part of its assistance towards Cyclone Ami relief work in Fiji, Australia also chartered a helicopter that undertook damage assessment of remote areas over the weekend. The helicopter also delivered relief supplies and the assessment team on board included an AusAID official and medical personnel.

In addition to the helicopter charter costs of $25,000, Australia has also contributed F$5,000 in support of a Fiji national radio emergency relief appeal. Within 24 hours of a request from the Fiji Red Cross, Australia also provided a batch of 100,000 water purification tablets which have now been distributed in affected areas.

An AusAID emergencies response officer is now in Fiji to assist coordination of the relief effort.

In his comments during today’s cheque presentation Mr Ryan relayed the Australian Government’s sympathy over the tragic loss of life caused by Cyclone Ami.

Mr Ryan said while the Fiji Government is still to fully assess field reports of damage to communities affected by Cyclone Ami, the Australian Government remains ready to consider further requests for assistance.