Relief assistance

The presentation was made by the Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Liu Quan.

A statement said “The package included building supplies such as 30,000 meters of iron roofing, 3000 emergency lighting, tents, and other necessities along with food supplies like as 20 tons of rice, 200,000 instant noodles, and canned luncheon meat.”

Ambassador Liu said, “This marks a significant moment in our ongoing efforts to support those affected by the recent cyclone disaster. After almost two weeks sailing in the ocean, our assistance has finally arrived at our brother country Vanuatu.”

Prime minister Frank Bainimarama has announced a new package for people hard hit by recent back to back cyclones and flooding.

He announced the Cyclone Assistance Relief Effort for Fiji package or CARE for Fiji before flying out last night for London.

Mr Bainimarama is on his way to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

Prime Minister Bainimarama said people earning less than FJ$50,000 dollars a year and whose homes were totally destroyed or suffering severe damage qualify for the funds.

Vanuatu Helicopters took an assessment team to the five islands that make up Torres - Toga, Loh, Tegua, Metoma and Hui - over the weekend.

The operations manager Andy Martin said there was very little food as all the crops were destroyed, houses were ruined and the water was tainted.

Martin said people seemed to be in good spirits, but he wished he could have done more to help.