Disaster response teams are now in a better position to provide emergency humanitarian support immediately after a natural disaster.

This was after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) yesterday between the Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS) and the Australian government’s Fiji Community Development Programme (FCDP) at the FCDP office in Suva.

Through FCDP, the Australian government has committed AU$50, 000 (FJ$82, 000) for emergency disaster relief that the FRCS can activate upon request from the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

Following the MOU signing, the Australian High Commission’s regional development acting counsellor John Morley said this was a reflection of the Australian government’s commitment to the people of Fiji.

“The first 48 hours after a disaster strikes are often the most difficult, roads and communications can be cut, field staff that are needed to respond can themselves be impacted by the disaster. Very soon after a disaster responders need information on what happened and where to be able to begin relief operations,” Mr Morley said.

FRCS director general Filipe Nainoca said FRCS was pleased to sign the MOU with the Australian government and looked forward to working with NDMO to assist the vulnerable people in times of disasters.

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