As the country come to terms with the level of destruction left in the wake of Cyclone Winston, a local ferry operator has pitched in to help deliver emergency relief rations and supplies to severely affected islands.

Goundar Shipping Limited offered the services of its two vessels, MV Lomaiviti Princess and Lomaiviti Princess III, to Government.

The two vessels left yesterday carrying medical aid, food and water supplies – the first stop is at Koro Island, one of the worst hit areas.

Company owner, George Goundar, who is originally from Koro said his decision to assist was based on humanitarian need.

“The  damages left behind by Tropical Cyclone Winston are devastating. I’m so saddened by the images of my home island Koro and can only imagine what our people are going through,” he said.

“We have given two of our vessels free of service to the Government to reach out to the most affected population who are desperately in need of food, water and medical supplies.

“They have started loading on Monday and expect to leave today (Tuesday) for Koro, Savusavu and Taveuni,” Mr Goundar said.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said there are Fijians out there who are without water, without a roof over their heads, without food and without essential services.

Mr Bainimarama said the government is especially keen to get relief supplies to people living in rural and maritime communities.

Teams have been deployed to Koro on Monday to assess the extent of the damage and provide medical services, food supply, temporary shelter and restore utility services and telecommunications.

CAROLINE RATUCADRA

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