Notstand nach Flut in Fidschi

13.01.2009: Western Division überflutet, mind. 8 Tote, 6.000 obdachlos

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NEW ZEALAND CONTRIBUTES $59,000 FOR FIJI RELIEF Heavy rain, flooding continue

SUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, Jan. 12, 2009) – New Zealand will provide $NZ100,000 [US$59,000] of aid to Fiji to assist relief efforts following major flooding in western parts of the country.

The aid was announced by NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced on Monday as heavy rain and strong winds causing extensive flooding in recent days.

A state of emergency has been declared in the Western Division with the worst affected areas being Nadi, Sigatoka, and Ba.

"Seven deaths have been confirmed and two Fijian teenagers are missing. To date floods have forced over 2300 people to move to evacuation centres and more bad weather is predicted when a second tropical depression reaches Fiji later this week," McCully said in a statement.

"The funding announced today will initially be made available to Fiji Red Cross.

"Further allocations will be made according to the needs of relief agencies who are working with communities affected by the flooding.

"New Zealand's assistance will help Fiji Red Cross replenish emergency stocks such as water containers, tarpaulins, and medical supplies. This will help ensure they are able to continue to help people if further bad weather hits Fiji as forecast." McCully said.

Hundreds of New Zealanders were among tourists stranded by flooding in Nadi and more severe rainstorms are expected in coming days.

Since the storm hit last week, power and telephone lines have been cut, drinking water is limited and hundreds of holiday-makers have been left stranded.

The main towns of Nadi, Rakiraki and Ba were swamped after being pelted by more than 200mm of rain since Friday.