-
Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
New Zealand's air force crews in Fiji are returning home on Friday around midday.
Two Hercules aircraft have been helping to transport emergency aid supplies, and help assess the damage caused by Cyclone Tomas with aerial reconnaissance missions.
On Thursday, the New Zealand Hercules transported emergency supplies, including a Red Cross truck, to Labasa before conducting reconnaissance flights over northern Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Rabi.
The Hercules will deliver Ministry of Health, Unicef and Red Cross supplies to Labasa on Friday before returning to Nausori.
Squadron Leader Kavae Tamariki says the Australian air force who have been taking care of the eastern islands is also heading home on Friday.
The New Zealand government has promised $1 million in disaster relief for Fiji, matching a similar amount donated by Australia.
Pete North, Habitat for Humanity's New Zealand chief executive, said many houses were destroyed in northern and eastern Fiji and his group had offered assistance in the rebuilding programme.
Habitat is calling for qualified builders to help rebuild homes.
He says up to 200 volunteers may be required and they need qualified builders, plumbers and electricians in particular. North estimates the cost per volunteer will be around $1200.
Habitat had responded to the rebuilding of Samoa after the earthquake and tsunami and was talking with the Cook Islands after the recent cyclone there.
"These Pacific countries are our neighbours and family and we must respond," North said.
Habitat for Humanity and aid agency Caritas are appealing for funds to aid in post-cyclone reconstruction, while other groups including the Red Cross are also appealing for donations.
A natural disaster was declared in Fiji on Tuesday after gusts of wind peaking at more than 200kmh and massive storm surges forced 17,000 people out of their homes temporarily.
Ului Cyclone
A second cyclone, Ului, has hit the Solomon Islands, but no deaths or injuries has been reported.
The storm is likely to cause flooding, crop losses and building damage, MFAT said.
There has been no request for international assistance but New Zealand will help if required.
Around 480 New Zealanders were registered MFAT as being in Fiji, and 60 were registered as being in the Solomon Islands.
Latest NZ News Video
-
Kiwi speaks to TVNZ7 from Everest base camp (1:59)
-
Immigration advisor Bill Milnes discusses claims (4:34)
-
Dance to save Shakti service (0:41)
