On February 20, 2016 tropical cyclone Winston swept through Fiji Islands. With the wind speed up to 320 km per hour, torrential rain and waves up to 12 metres (bbc.com/news/world-asia-35633321) it left behind extensive destruction of houses, vegetation and basic facilities and as many as 42 lives lost (CNN). Over 14,000 people were displaced and took shelter in 274 temporary camps (see OCHA report).
Fiji Government has declared a state of emergency, suspended flights and people were urged braced for possibly the most powerful cyclone ever in South Pacific region.
APBAid is in contact with the leaders of Fiji Baptist Convention, and has made appeal to member bodies and global Baptist bodies to pray and support FBC in whatever way possible in this emergency situation. It is working with Transform Aid International, Australia to send a disaster consultant to assist FBC in assessing and responding to the need.
