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Released 1 February 2012
THE SALVATION ARMY IN FIJI PROVIDES
HELP AFTER FLOODS
The Salvation Army workers in Fiji were greatly encouraged when they
received a visit from the country's president while they were providing
shelter, food and clean water to victims of flooding and landslides. Six people
– including a family of four – were killed, with villages and
suburbs left under water. Thousands of people had to evacuate their homes.
A state of national disaster was declared in the urban areas of Nadi,
Lautoka, Ba, Sigatoka and Rakiraki. Flash flood warnings remain in place for
low-lying areas, including Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Work has begun to prevent
the spread of typhoid after three people were admitted to Nadi Hospital with
the disease.
The Fijian president visited an evacuation centre at The Salvation Army's
Nadi Corps (church), donating much-needed supplies to Salvationists who were
providing meals and shelter for 35 people. With the town's water supply cut
off, the recently installed water tank at the corps proved particularly
valuable in supplying clean water.
The hall and officers' quarters in Ba were flooded to the lower levels of
the buildings, and an engineering assessment is underway. Despite having their
home flooded, the corps officers were able to shelter and support 26 people in
the house's upper level. Many of the people who attend Ba Corps are farmers,
and most of their crops were washed away. It is estimated that more than half
of the area's crops and livestock have been damaged.
It is a similar story for those attending Saweni Corps, with many farmers
losing crops and livelihood. They now face the hardship that comes with trying
to replant crops.
The new school year was due to start in Fiji the week of the flood. As a
result of the disaster, schools in the western district have been closed.
Families have received assistance from The Salvation Army through the provision
of school fees and replacement stationery supplies.
Divisional Commander Major Iliesa Cola says: "We thank God for the
[Salvation Army] officers and soldiers ... who have been ministering God's love
to those affected by the floods. May God continue to pour out his strength and
wisdom upon them."