Fiji to deploy a team of 33 to support the NZ Government’s response to TC Gabrielle

A team of 33 personnel from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the National Fire Authority, and the Fiji NDMO will be deployed to support the New Zealand Government’s response to Severe Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle.

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka says the Government formally offered its support to the NZ Government on Sunday following a telephone communication between him and his NZ counterpart Kieran McAnulty.

Ditoka says on behalf of the Government of Fiji, they send their condolences to the families of the victims of TC Gabrielle and they send their good wishes to the people of New Zealand as they recover from the aftermath of this intense tropical cyclone.

He adds the New Zealand Government is a close ally of Fiji and is an important part of our Pacific family.

The offer was duly accepted by the New Zealand Government.

Yesterday, the Minister, National Disaster Management Office Director Vasiti Soko, and the RFMF provided a high-level brief to the Prime Minister and members of Cabinet on the Government’s deployment plan.

Details of the deployment are still being finalised between the responsible agencies.