Fiji's state of natural disaster ends

Fiji's state of natural disaster for parts of the country ravaged by a destructive tropical cyclone is set to end Tuesday midnight local time.

Meleti Bainimarama, national disaster controller and permanent secretary for the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management said after the state of natural disaster ends, the Fijian government will focus on the rehabilitation and recovery phase.

In an emergency committee meeting Tuesday afternoon, members unanimously decided to continue support for the National Disaster Management Office relief work with the provision of logistical resources including personnel for another period of two weeks, according to the Department of Information.

Fiji declared a state of natural disaster on Feb. 20 as Tropical Cyclone Winston was wreaking havoc in the Pacific island country. The state of natural disaster was extended for a month on March 21 in areas severely affected by Winston, which claimed 44 lives and left a path of massive destruction. Enditem