Cyclone Winston Response

Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston was the strongest recorded tropical storm to hit Fiji and it has had a serious impact on communities across the country.

The cyclone left a trail of destruction with many homes destroyed. In some villages reports are emerging that 90% of houses are damaged or destroyed. Since the cyclone, more than 40 people have confirmed dead and 2,346 have been in the 71 evacuation centres. According to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) 80% of the Fiji’s 900,000 people have been without regular electricity since the cyclone and almost the entire country has been affected.

The Red Cross Movement in Fiji was well prepared to respond to this disaster with a strong network of staff and volunteers and prepositioned relief supplies. As soon as it was safe, Red Cross teams began emergency assessments and distribution of relief supplies.

All the money raised on this page will go towards our Pacific Disaster Fund and help Fiji Red Cross recover from Cyclone Winston. Red Cross relief efforts will focus on meeting the immediate needs of survivors. This includes providing emergency first aid, shelter materials, clean water and family kits.

The Pacific region is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world with high exposure to drought, tropical storms, cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis. Your donation to the Pacific Disaster Fund will ensure that New Zealand Red Cross can respond quickly and efficiently when our Pacific neighbours are affected by a disaster, such as Cyclone Winston. It will also prepare communities to be prepared for any future natural disaster.

Thank you very much for your support.

New Zealand Red Cross.