tropical cyclones

Ralph Regenvanu said the main food push started in the middle of last week, with only a small amount of supplies being handed out in the immediate aftermath of the severe back-to-back cyclones.

He said there's been logistical issues in getting the food distributed, but dry rations should reach everyone in the two worst affected provinces, Shefa and Tafea, by the end of this week.

"It's not really ideal but it's still within the timeframe we've set which is three weeks from the cyclone and those three weeks end about now," Regenvanu said.

Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka said they are therefore closely monitoring the current weather system together with the weather forecast.

Ditoka also said they will be working with relevant ministries should there be any weather alerts in place.

“But we are still looking at the future to see the weather ahead of us. Looks like we might have potentially two or three cyclones.”

Ditoka stated they have just completed the damage assessments of the recent floods.