Help is now on the way for people living on the islands of Ono-i-Lau and Vatoa that were affected by Tropical Cyclone Gita this week.
Cyclone Gita battered the two islands on Tuesday leaving plantations and several houses damaged.
A team of 60 government officials and volunteers from Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity left on the government vessel MV Iloilovatu this morning.
Divisional Planning Officer Eastern Viliame Kaiyabia says they are taking food rations to Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau and also multi-sectoral assessment teams to assess the damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
He says the officials will also be providing some needed government services on the island.
Red Cross Fiji is also sending about six people to distribute response packs in Southern Lau.
They are distributing clothes, hygiene kits and also shelter toolkits.
A team from Habitat for Humanity is also onboard and they are expected to help with repairs and temporary housing.
Preliminary reports show that 10 houses have been destroyed and 26 partially damaged in Ono‑i‑Lau and Vatoa.
The response team will return next Saturday.
