It's time to bounce back and stick together as Fijians in the nation.
That was the message from Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama as he announced the relief efforts that have started following the devastating effects of Hurricane Tomas.
He said 3 navy vessels were to leave last night with emergency supplies and the New Zealand, Australian and French Air Force aircraft will also be assisting in relief efforts and aerial surveys.
Commodore Bainimarama said Fiji is also blessed that the most densely populated areas in the main regions were not severely affected by Hurricane Tomas.
Commodore Bainimarama said citizens in the Northern region, Lomaiviti and Lau groups have suffered the brunt of the hurricane experiencing winds of up to 240 kilometers per hour.
He said the government's first priority is to carry out an assessment to determine the full extent of the damage.
The Prime Minister said while carrying out these assessments, emergency supplies including food and water will be delivered to the affected regions.
Commodore Bainimarama said apart from the 3 navy vessels, government vessels Iloilovatu and Raiyawa will leave for the Lau and Lomaiviti groups with more supplies.
They will also carry planting materials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the RFMF Engineers and public servants who will be deployed to carry out emergency work.
Commodore Bainimarama also stressed that he wants schools and medical centres affected by Hurricane Tomas to be up and running as soon as possible.
The RFMF Territorial Engineers will be deployed to commence work on the priority areas of schools, hospitals and medical centres.
Other military personnel including the navy will also be part of the deployments.
Commodore Bainimarama had also acknowledged France, Australia and New Zealand=s assistance.
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It’s time to bounce back
