People of Ono-i-Lau in great need of assistance following devastation caused by TC Gita

People of Ono-I-Lau are in great need of assistance following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Gita.

Turaga ni Koro of Matokana Village in Ono-I-Lau, Josefa Nadavo told Fijivillage that their root crops will only last until tomorrow.

Nadavo confirms that the issue is now further worsened as they are unable to send their stock orders to Suva due to damages sustained by the island’s Post Office.

He says that despite the fact that their resources from the sea are not affected, the villagers are facing problems as many of their boats were damaged.

Preliminary reports show that 10 houses have been destroyed and 26 partially damaged after Cyclone Gita battered Ono-i-Lau and Vatoa on Tuesday night.

This has been confirmed by the National Disaster Management Office who say the government's focus is to complete damage assessments and respond to immediate needs in Southern Lau.

Director of the National Disaster Management Office Anare Leweniqila has indicated that the Office of the Divisional Commissioner Eastern would deploy teams aboard government vessels as soon as the weather permits.

Leweniqila says they have received initial reports from Turaga‑ni‑Koros indicating that housing and agriculture are the sectors with the most damages and they will deploy multi‑sectoral assessment teams with immediate relief supplies to verify reports on the ground.

He says the Australian Defense Force is facilitating an aerial survey on their behalf, and the data received will allow them to make concrete plans of response.