Pacific Programs Coordinator for the Relief and Development Unit of UnitingWorld, Mr Bryan Cussen, has just returned from visiting communities in Fiji that continue to struggle to fully recover from the effects of Cyclone Tomas that struck Fiji on 14 and 15 March this year.

The roof of a school on Qamea was blown off during Cyclone Tomas

UnitingWorld is currently working with communities that continue to be affected by the cyclone, assisting them to rebuild homes and livelihoods.

The north-eastern islands of Fiji sustained the greatest amount of damage, with 89 buildings destroyed and a further 240 in need of repair. Crops that communities rely on for food and livelihoods were damaged or destroyed by wind, water and debris. The cyclone brought destructive tidal surges and strong winds of up to 240 km per hour.

Mr Cussen visited Taveuni, the third largest island in Fiji, and nearby Qamea, with leaders from the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma to consult with local communities about how UnitingWorld can best assist them in long-term recovery.

Working with the church in Fiji, UnitingWorld is initially responding by distributing vital food aid such as flour, rice and dahl to people in communities who continue to face a food shortage.

Longer term food security will be addressed by providing seeds and tools, enabling farmers to continue producing crops. Building materials such as corrugated iron, timber, and nails are being distributed to repair damaged homes over the coming months.

“Both Taveuni and Qamea were among the hardest hit by Cyclone Tomas. Our assessments indicate that there is still a need to work on the long-term recovery,” said Acting Director for Relief and Development, Mr Rob Floyd.

“We’re working with communities that continue to struggle to get back on their feet as a result of the cyclone, standing in solidarity with our Church Partner and the people of Fiji throughout this difficult time,” said Mr Floyd.

Please pray for the swift recovery for people in communities who continue to experience difficulties in fully recovering from the effects of the cyclone.

Tags: Fiji

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