17 January 2009

Fiji Urges Aid As Flood Toll Rises

Daily Planet Media, 2009-01-16

Fiji has urged Australia and New Zealand to make more emergency funds available to offset some of the damage caused by massive flooding that has been partly attributed to climate change.

Some of the worst flooding on record has caused $100 million destruction to the Fijiholiday tropical islands.

So far 11 people have died by the flooding and up to 10, 000 people have been forced into leaving their homes and taking up emergency accommodation.

Fiji's Attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has criticized Australia for providing just $150, 000 in flood aid and New Zealand for its $85, 000 aid grant.

Both Australia and New Zealand have been in confrontation with Fiji over its refusal to allow democratic elections.

Fiji declared a state of emergency and curfews after floodwaters swept through the west coast of Fiji's main island of Viti Levu.

Weather officials has warned the South Pacific nation of a continuing low depression that would bring more heavy rain and strong winds which could overflow the major rivers, Director of Meteorology Rajendra Prasad reported to Daily Planet Media.

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