Flood Relief Response at Narata in Fiji

Narata Village community in the Province of Nadroga experienced the devastating and unprecedented floods that spread across much of Viti Levu (the main island in Fiji) the week before Easter 2012. Much of the village was under 1.5 metres of flowing water. The resultant all covering layer of sticky, slippery, smelly mud was everywhere, so the villagers cleaned up and waited for food support. They were very happy to see Rotarians from all four Suva clubs arrive in a fleet of 4WD vehicles bearing Rotary Emergency Response Kits and food ration packs.

Warwick and Cate Pleass with village children.  Note the use of the 'Peace" (finger) sign

In addition, the village water supply pipe running two kms into the hills to the source was cut by landslides, and over 50 metres of pipes lost. Of course, cleaning out the stinking mud from homes and belongings is impossible without water, so they were desperate for help. On hearing of their plight, the Rotarians present arranged with a local company to sponsor the cost of the materials needed. The village provided the labour to replace those pipes. Within a couple of weeks the work was completed, which enabled the villagers to resume their normal lives, with their income mostly from growing tropical vegetables.

The Rotarian response team included from the Rotary Clubs of:

· Suva North then President Lewis Sahai, and then President Elect Griffon Emose

· Suva Assistant Governor Malini Raghwan, and then President Kalpesh Solanki,

· Suva Peninsula Sunset then District Peace Chair Elect Rita Taphorn, and Past President Joshila Lal

· Suva East PDG Warwick Pleass and Rotarian Reanu Ramani

- By PDG Warwick Pleass

Fiji Floods - Press Release 10 April 2012

PRESS RELEASE – 10 APRIL 2012

400 Emergency Response kits recently packed in Christchurch and Auckland, pre positioned in Fiji have provided immediate relief to thousands of people living on the Western side of the main island of Viti Levu in Fiji following the disastrous floods. In the past week some 450 kits affectionately known as ERKs have been distributed to the neediest by Rotary volunteers and their supporters. The relief effort in Fiji is being coordinated by their Civil Defence authority (DISMAC).

ERKs being packed

In addition to the ERK’s, buoyed on by a substantial grant from Rotarians and the public of New Zealand, over 900 food parcels have also been distributed to evacuation centres and to people who remained near to or in the flood sodden dwelling place. The work is to continue throughout this week until Rotary is satisfied that the immediate response effort is complete. It is then Rotary Fiji will divert its attention to the second response phase supporting the fragile education and health sector. Many schools have lost buildings, the infrastructure is being sorely tested and Rotary will work with schools to respond the their greatest need, most likely replacing their sodden text and library books, furniture and other equipment essential for getting schools back to their regular routine. Village health centres also need help to replace supplies.

Where possible,  Rotary will support the local business community by purchasing goods locally as they have done with their food parcels which are sufficient to feed a family of 4 for one week. Rotary New Zealand’s spokesperson Stuart Batty acknowledges the immediate response from Government through Minister McCully’s quick response to provide financial support to it and other New Zealand NGO’s responding to the Fiji situation.

Rotary New Zealand’s appeal details assisted by Westpac Bank and PayPal can be found on www.rnzwcs.org or donations can be sent to PO Box 20309, Christchurch 8043.