Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji Benyamin Scott Carnadi -- on behalf of the Indonesian government -- handed over a cash cheque and 100 basic necessities care packages to Fiji's Director of National Disaster Management Office, Inia Seruiratu, who is concurrently Fiji's Minister for Defence and National Security.
Indonesia’s aid, amounting to $7,500 for the cyclone victims in Fiji, was delivered in the form of a cash cheque of $5,000 and 100 food packages worth US$2,500.
Ambassador Carnadi candidly stated that the aid was relatively small in comparison with Fiji’s needs in the disaster-hit areas.
However, the ambassador stressed that despite Indonesia also taking a heavy battering from the COVID-19 pandemic, it, in no way, holds the country back from extending a humanitarian hand to Fiji's people, who are reeling from the impacts of double disasters: the tropical cyclone Harold and COVID-19.
Minister Seruiratu extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Indonesian government and people for the assistance and affirmed that Fiji’s arms remained wide open for further Indonesian aid.
Fiji sustained major damages, with 180 thousand people -- out of a population of 900 thousand -- hit by cyclone Harold.
The country in the pacific islands suffered damage of up to $11 million in the agricultural sector and damage worth $9.7 million in the infrastructure sector -- mainly damages to ports and roads. Furthermore, over 500 houses were destroyed and hundreds other ravaged.
Fiji has received help from its donors -- Australia, New Zealand, China, the United States, and the European Union -- that sent their aid through Fiji's National Disaster Management Office.
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EDITED BY INE
Reporter: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
