More than 1,000 families have received food and hygiene kits in Fiji after distributions by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

Food packs containing rice, lentils, tuna, sugar and biscuits were given to 501 families in Ra Province, one of the worst hit areas, along the northern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island.

Meanwhile, more than 600 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) kits have been delivered to families to help stop the spread of disease which can be common after a disaster. The kits contained antibacterial soap, sanitary pads, a 10L water container, water purification tablets and a first aid kit.

In addition, 244 households received a water filtration system to ensure they can have clean water to drink and stop the spread of waterborne disease.

ADRA Fiji country director Iliapi Tuwai said the supplies were well received.

“Access to food has been identified as one of the most urgent needs, based on the assessments we’ve done,” Mr Tuwai said.

“Gardens and crops have been destroyed, which is a major food source for people particularly in rural areas. Our food packs contain items to provide temporary relief while longer-­‐term solutions are formalised.”

“In many remote places we have distributed food, people said we were the first aid organisation to reach them.”

On Wednesday 2 March, three ADRA staff are flying to conduct assessments at the devastated Vanua Balavu island, in Eastern Province. The island was in the direct path of Cyclone Winston and is reported to be badly affected. Mobile phone coverage is still out, although the landline connection has been fixed.

As well as private funding, ADRA has submitted proposals applying for multiple external funding opportunities with governments and the United Nations. These include proposals to partner with other NGOs to provide shelter, food and WASH provisions.

A team of experts from the global ADRA network is in Fiji to assist in response to the category five storm. The Emergency Response Team includes ADRA staff from the office in Fiji plus experts from Australia, New Zealand and Germany.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has a presence in more than 130 countries across the globe. ADRA is the official aid and humanitarian agency of the Seventh-­‐day Adventist Church and supports people experiencing poverty and distress regardless of their ethnicity, political affiliation or religious association.