AUSTRALIA is providing an initial $7.7million assistance package and a range of logistical support to the Fijian Government in response to Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

And they are working closely with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and partners to ensure assistance reaches those in dire need.

In a statement, Australia outlined that they gave $1.5m to the Red Cross, $0.8m to The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and $2.3 to other non-governmental organisations with immediate relief efforts on the ground.

“This is for lifesaving supplies to people in evacuation centres and those recovering from the devastation. This includes clean water and hygiene kits, access to emergency health services and shelter,” the statement said.

“We are also supporting programs to protect the most vulnerable people.”

In terms of support to NDMO, the Australian Government said they had two Australian Civilian Corps specialists who continued to work in the NDMO since October.

They also have humanitarian stores delivered from Australia and handed over to the NDMO and UNICEF for distribution.

Mobility and aerial support is being provided with four helicopters, two P3 Orion aircraft to assist with surveillance. They are being tasked by the NDMO to photograph priority areas to assess damages.

A six-person Australian medical assistance team (AUSMAT) comprising doctors, nurses and a paramedic, along with an Emergency Management Australia (EMA) officer is working with the Health Ministry to assess needs, help with planning and develop options for future medical assistance.

According to the statement, Australia will have more than 120 people in the country to assist Fijian authorities in the response effort.

This includes a civilian crisis response team of 15, comprising humanitarian, consular and immigration officials, and more than 55 Defence personnel.