2018: Fiji Red Cross runs a hands-on emergency drill with
residents of Wailotua village, practising together how to
prepare for and respond to disasters so families and
communities are ready when it matters most. HANNA BUTLER
/IFRC. Photo/Supplied.
With Cyclone
Wati hitting the Cook Islands over the weekend, the Pacific
cyclone season has made an early start.
New Zealand
Red Cross will be closely monitoring for potential impacts
from tropical cyclones over the coming months, working
alongside Pacific Red Cross societies to strengthen disaster
preparedness and provide support when it’s needed
most.
This year’s cyclone season, which runs from
November to April, is expected to bring seven to eleven
named tropical cyclones across the Southwest Pacific, with
at least four potentially reaching Category 3 or higher. The
latest
outlook predicts normal to above-normal cyclone
activity, with an increased risk of impacts in parts of the
central, northern and eastern Pacific.
Vivienne Euini,
Director of International Operations at New Zealand Red
Cross, says good emergency response starts with good
preparedness.
“Pacific Red Cross societies prepare
for cyclone season throughout the year, working alongside
local authorities and communities to make sure people know
what to do before, during and after a
disaster.
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“Local preparedness is particularly
important in the Pacific, where communities are spread
across vast distances and many people live on remote
islands. When a cyclone hits, outside help can take time to
arrive, so having trained local volunteers who can respond
immediately makes a huge difference.”
Vivienne says
New Zealand Red Cross works closely with Pacific Red Cross
societies to strengthen their ability to prepare for and
respond to disasters.
“We support our Pacific
partners to build the skills, systems and resources they
need to respond effectively when disasters happen. This work
happens throughout the year, so they’re ready to act when
their communities need them.
“We also help
pre-position essential relief supplies across the Pacific,
including household items for families whose homes and
livelihoods have been affected by disasters.
“Having
these supplies already in place means communities don’t have
to wait days for vital assistance to arrive. Combined with
strong local preparedness, this can make a real difference
when a cyclone strikes.”
Help Pacific communities
prepare for disasters. Donate now to New Zealand Red Cross
to help strengthen communities across the Pacific. https://donate.redcross.org.nz/where-the-need-is-greatest
