Fiji hit by floods as Cyclone Zena approaches

Fijians are bracing for another major cyclone, less than two months after surviving the biggest storm in their country’s history.

Cyclone Zena, a category-three storm, is likely to bring more heavy rain to areas that have this week been hit by severe flooding, including in the tourist hub Nadi.

CARE’s Program Advisor in Fiji, Siobhan Talty, said people were still yet to fully recover from Cyclone Winston, which killed more than 40 people in late February.

“This week’s flooding has been devastating and Cyclone Zena is going to make things even worse for communities still struggling,” Ms Talty said.

“People are still trying to get their lives back on track, with many living in emergency shelters.

“Road closures and rough seas also mean aid workers cannot reach those who still desperately need help after Cyclone Winston.”

Cyclone Zena, currently west of Fiji, is packing winds of 95kmh, with gusts of up to 130kmh.

Schools across Fiji have been closed, and the Fijian Government has advised members of the public to take precautions.

In Fiji, CARE is partnered Live and Learn, a non-government organisation, to provide emergency assistance to those recovering from Cyclone Winston.

CARE Australia is an international humanitarian aid organisation fighting poverty, with a special focus on working with women and girls to bring lasting change to their communities.

Read more about CARE's work in Fiji.

To arrange interviews with Siobhan Talty, CARE’s Program Advisor in Fiji, contact CARE Australia's media advisor Sam Bolitho (+61 419 567 777).