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Fiji

EU pledges EUR 500,000 to Fiji cyclone aid

From Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai'i
MELBOURNE, Australia (Radio Australia, Mar. 4) - The European Union is to give Fiji about half a million Euros to assist its recovery from Cyclone Ami.

The acting head of the Delegation of the European Commission for the Pacific, Enrico Strampelli, says the funds will come via the International Federation of the Red Cross.

The money is intended to improve the immediate situation of people in Vanua Levu and Taveuni plus strengthen the capacity of the Fiji Red Cross to deal with future disasters.

Cyclone Ami hit Fiji's northern and eastern islands in mid-January with winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour.

It destroyed homes, crops and infrastructure, including schools, telecommunications and electricity supply.

Fifteen people died.