A western Fiji road caves into a river bed in this week's devastating floods. Photo: Rotary Fiji

Pacific Scoop:
Report – By the PMC news desk

Food shortage is a major issue in Fiji in  the wake of this week’s floods as authorities count the cost of the disaster.

The global service organisation Rotary International was coordinating a nation-wide relief campaign, said Auckland-based Alan  Eyes, district governor  of Rotary District 9920, which includes Fiji.

“Fiji Rotary clubs have already donated $6000 for food parcels which are being sourced and distributed to those in need in the west,” he said.

Rotary relief workers take a break after this week's flooding in Fiji. Photo: Rotary Fiji

Eyes praised the Rotarian team in Fiji, led by relief cordinator Bob Niranjan, in the wake of the flooding which killed at least six people.

President Rick Eyre and club members of Lautoka Rotary, and president Sanjit Patel of Nadi Rotary were working in the Nadi area and the West to identify needs and to assist, Eyes said in a statement.

“The feeling is now that the rain has eased the problems are being identified and the real assistance is required. Forty emergency response kits have been distributed and there will be many more in the coming days,” he said.

“Food is a major issue. Fiji Rotary clubs have already donated $6000 for food parcels which are being sourced and distributed to those in need in the west.

Food packs
“The Suva clubs are actively involved, with the Rotary clubs of Suva contributing 250 pieces of clothing going tomorrow,  and 100 food packs despatched this morning – both for distribution by the Lautoka club.

Rotary Club of Nadi has been working with the Rama Krishna Mission in cooking and distributing food with more parcels planned in the coming days.

Rotary NZ World Community Services  coordinator, Christchurch-based Stuart Batty, continued to liaise with NZ’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Rotary leaders in Fiji. Batty plans to travel to Fiji on Sunday.

“The team is doing a great job helping others in need,” Eyes said.

“The preplanning and placement of emergency response kits in secure locations in Fiji is proving to be of great benefit  – they are on the spot and being distributed as needed without delay.

“My question to Bob [Niranjan] has been, how can we in New Zealand and other parts of the Pacific help? It is likely this will be in the form of monetary donations to assist mainly with meeting a need for food which may go on for some time.

“The team is working on how his can best be done in a coordinated way and I will be talking to him further over the next 48 hours.”

Many other NGOs are also assisting with the relief work in Fiji.

Send donations to the Rotary New Zealand 2012 Fiji Flood Appeal:
•    Rotary New Zealand World Community Service: www.rnzwcs.org where there is a PayPal credit card facility, or

•    Internet banking telegraphic transfer to Westpac Banking Corporation, Wellington, NZ account number 03 1702 0192208 02 (international donors will also require Swift Code WPACNZ2W, IBAN Code 031702) for account name RNZWCS Limited (Rotary New Zealand), and include reference  Fiji Flood , and/or donor name and club

•    Cheque made payable to RNZWCS Limited posted to PO Box 20309, Christchurch 8543, New Zealand

Donations are tax deductible within NZ. More information at: www.rnzwcs,org

Bainimarama visits flood-stricken areas