BACKGROUND

Disasters including earthquakes, typhoons, floods, landslides, volcanoes, droughts, tsunamis, and wildfires affect populations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Worsening socio-economic conditions of some populations are increasing the region's vulnerability. Demographic changes, urbanization, and environmental degradation have reduced

Appeal No. 01.72/2004;

Appeal target: CHF 2,051,861;

Appeal coverage: 90.1%.

Operational Context

Throughout the year 2004, Pacific national societies made further progress towards achieving common objectives agreed under the Pacific Action Plan 2003-2006 in the three priority areas of health and care, disaster management and capacity building. HIV/AIDS programming was scaled up and significant progress was made in improving the quality and depth of ongoing first aid training, while blood donor recruitment

The New Zealand-led assessment team provided the following information, through the OCHA Regional Disaster Response Advisor in Suva, Fiji.

Situation and Damage

1. The 100 families that were made homeless by Cyclone Heta on 5 January, continue to be housed with friends and family. The people of Niue are under considerable stress and the government is providing counselling services as a matter of priority.

2. Some 80% of the international phone

Urgently-needed skills and supplies will be included in the third RNZAF C-130 relief flight bound for Niue tomorrow, Foreign Minister Phil Goff said today.

Mr Goff, Niue Premier Young Vivian and Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand Dr Alan Hawke will travel on the flight, which leaves from Whenuapai airbase early tomorrow. It will carry asbestos-handling equipment, chainsaws, water supply equipment, and food.

"The passenger list includes several tradespersons with skills needed to help with the clean-up and restoration

New Zealanders, regional governments and overseas-based Niueans have rallied to provide swift and substantial relief to the cyclone-ravaged island of Niue, Foreign Minister Phil Goff said today.

"The immediate needs for food, drinking water and medical supplies on the island are being met thanks to relief flights from New Zealand, Australia and France," Mr Goff said. "The next challenge will be preparing an assistance package that meets Niue's longer-terms needs.

"The Niuean community and other