It has now been over 36 hours since Hurricane Tomas battered the island of Cikobia and there is still no word on the plight of those on the island.
As Emergency relief efforts start this morning, Director DISMAC Pajiliai Dobui said their first priority is to make contact with the people on Cikobia and other islands in the Eastern division.
Late yesterday, Dobui confirmed that arrangements have been finalized to deploy two Navy ships and helicopters to the worst affected areas with emergency supplies.
Meanwhile, last night New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully told the NZ Herald that an Air Force C 130 Hercules was on standby to head to Fiji as soon as weather conditions eased in the wake of Cyclone Tomas.
McCully said the Fiji authorities have declared a state of disaster and requested international assistance.
He said New Zealand is working closely with our partners under Franz the joint France, Australia and New Zealand disaster relief arrangement on how to best respond to the situation in Fiji.
McCully said the Hercules was able to carry emergency supplies to Fiji, and also assist with aerial reconnaissance of outer islands that were in the path of Cyclone Tomas.
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Emergency supplies for affected areas
