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Fiji

Habitat for Humanity to respond to Cyclone Winston in Fiji

Attachments

Media Contacts:

Geno Teofilo
+63 905 669 5985
gteofilo@habitat.org

Michele Soh
+65 9233 1544
msoh@habitat.org

Manila, 22 February 2016 – With Cyclone Winston causing massive devastation in Fiji last weekend, Global non-profit housing organization Habitat for Humanity is now on the ground supporting damage assessments, and planning to respond to this disaster.

“We have reports that some villages in the cyclone’s path were 100% damaged, with severe or total damage to all homes. Communication to most rural areas is down, and power is out in most of the country. Habitat for Humanity has three staff in the field supporting damage assessments with the local government. We are planning to respond with emergency shelter assistance to affected families,” said Masi Latinara, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Fiji.

Habitat for Humanity has supported programs in Fiji since 1991. Staff are currently assessing the situation and coordinating with government agencies and partners for the disaster response operation. Habitat for Humanity is planning to respond with emergency shelter assistance. Based on funding availability, the longer-term response will follow Habitat’s model of assisting affected communities with housing solutions ranging from emergency shelter interventions to permanent home reconstruction.

Habitat for Humanity has worldwide experience responding to disasters, most recently following Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, and to the earthquake in Nepal in 2015.

Notes to Editors

To arrange interviews, or for further information, please contact Geno Teofilo, +63 905 669 5985, gteofilo@habitat.org or Michele Soh, +65 9233 1544, msoh@habitat.org

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Since 1976, Habitat has helped more than 6.8 million people build strength, stability and self-reliance through housing, including home construction, rehabilitation and repairs and by increasing access to improved shelter through products and programs. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and offers a variety of housing support services that enable families with limited means to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. Habitat has supported an estimated 2 million individuals in the Asia-Pacific region, where it has been active since 1983. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org.