Basic needs for restoration of essential services and bringing normalcy are the main focus of Northern Emergency Operation Centre team after the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Commissioner Northern Jovesa Vocea said their first priority was to provide shelter, food and water to the affected people.

“Our relief effort is still in full swing,” Mr Vocea said.

“Currently, we’re doing everything to provide our people with relief supplies and assistance as fast as we can.

“That will be our priority during this period and we are going to get the medium to long-term recovery and rehabilitation plan going.”

The extension of the national emergency period meant that affected people would continue to receive aid in terms of shelter and food.

He said there had been a lot of assistance on the ground in terms of rehabilitation, housing and rations for Taveuni and Bua.

“Right now we still have not had any formal complaints from them as most of them because all affected areas have been given tents and food rations,” Mr Vocea said.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti

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