by Lorraine Gabina – EMTV International
In the wake of tropical cyclone Winston, after harsh winds and torrential rains swept through the small island nation, Fiji now clearly has a lot of cleaning up and rebuilding to do.
The death toll as of earlier today, has reached 29.
Aid agencies have warned of a widespread health crisis, particularly in low-lying areas where thousands of Fiji’s 900,000 people live in tin shacks, after crops were wiped out and fresh water supplies blocked.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s Consumer Council has urged traders not to sell food and other perishable items that have gone bad due to the effects of the storm.
Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, has confirmed that schools damaged in worst stricken areas as a result of the cyclone will be closed for two weeks for recovery.
Among other relief aid going into the devastated nation, New Zealand news tip reported a New Zealand army Hercules C-130 was on its way to Fiji earlier in the day with 12 tonnes of aid supplies and an inter-agency team that will help assess damages caused by the storm.
Banks, ANZ and Westpac have also given their support in relief supplies as well as financial support.
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