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Spotlight: Fiji hit by tropical cyclone, receives int'l aid

Xinhua, February 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

At least 20 people have been killed in Fiji after it was bashed by tropical cyclone Winston.

The death toll is expected to raise dramatically as many parts of the island country remain out of reach. The government has declared a 30-day state of natural disaster on Saturday, while New Zealand and China have pledged humanitarian relief.

SEVERE CASUALTIES

The Fijian disaster management office on Monday updated the death toll from five to 20. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said Sunday that the cyclone has caused "a path of destruction overnight."

Winston swept through Fiji between the main island of Viti Levu and the northern island of Vanua Levu with wind gusts of over 320 km per hour, tearing roofs, uprooting trees and cutting power supply and communications in areas, including the capital city of Suva.

The government has declared a state of natural disaster and imposed a nationwide curfew. Schools around the country will be closed for a week to clean-up debris.

The state-run Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) quoted Meleti Bainimarama, permanent secretary for rural and maritime development and national disaster management, as saying that the state of natural disaster is effective for 30 days and the curfew remains in effect until 5:30 a.m. Monday.

Evacuation centers across the country have been open to public, and disaster relief teams are working hard to help the public restore their normal life.

RELIEF PLEDGED

The Fijian government and aid groups warned of a widespread health crisis.

Thousands of people living in tin shacks in the low altitude locations face extreme hardship as their crops have been wiped out and fresh water supply has been cut.

Even in Suva, where the damage is limited, food and water are a growing concern.

Fiji's market administrator stressed that corrupt food will not be allowed on the market and ordered supermarkets and other vendors to destroy such items.

In response to the devastating condition in Fiji, New Zealand, China and international aid groups have all offered help.

New Zealand has dispatched an Orion P3 maritime patrol aircraft to Fiji on Sunday, its Foreign minister Murray McCully said.

The New Zealand military will be carrying out aerial surveillance and damage assessment, while the New Zealand government is ready to provide assistance as the Fijians deal with the aftermath, he said.

The New Zealand government also announced 50,000 NZ dollars (33,167 U.S. dollars) of emergency fund and also 170,000 NZ dollars (112,767 U.S. dollars) worth of supplies which will be distributed by UNICEF and other aid organizations.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said Sunday that it is working on a plan to help with reconstruction in addition to the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance.

The Chinese Embassy in Fiji is in coordination with the Fijian government to determine the needs. Endi