April 01, 2012

The Australian: Australian aid pledged to flooded Fiji

From: AAP April 01, 2012 4:04 PM

FOREIGN Minister Bob Carr says Australia will provide whatever assistance is needed to Fiji, where floods have devastated the Pacific Island nation.

"We stand by ready to offer any assistance that's necessary for the government and people of Fiji," Mr Carr told reporters in Sydney today.

"We're ready for the Fijian Government to tell us anything they need and we'll respond, I hope it can be said with the generosity with which we responded to New Zealand's crisis during the Christchurch earthquake."

A state of natural disaster was declared for western Fiji today.

It follows flooding in which at least three people have died and 4000 have been forced into evacuation centres.

"Australians travelling to Fiji ought to be aware of the restrictions," Mr Carr said.

"We're not aware at this stage of Australians who have been injured or whose safety is seriously at risk."

No comments: