More than 250 families across affected communities in the Yasawa Group have received much-needed assistance, with the distribution of food ration packs and essential non-food items helping to ease immediate hardships.
The Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mosese Bulitavu, led the delegation and has been working closely with officials and community leaders to ensure relief efforts are delivered efficiently and reach those most in need.
The support reached 53 families in Kese Village, 29 families in Malevu Village, 7 families at Naviti District School, 51 families in Marou Village, 33 families in Mua-i-Ra Village, 12 recipients at Yasawa High School, and more than 80 families in Soso Village.
At Yasawa High School, students also benefited from additional support, including blankets, pencil cases, and hand towels, kindly donated by Fiji Airways.
Minister Bulitavu expressed his sincere appreciation to Fiji Airways for its generous donation of blankets, pencil cases, and other essential items for students at Yasawa High School.
He acknowledged that the contribution would be instrumental in supporting students’ well-being and learning, particularly during this challenging time, and in ensuring assistance reached even the most remote maritime communities.
He says the support also reflects Fiji Airways’ broader Maroroya initiative under its sustainability programme, which focuses on environmental stewardship, community resilience, and climate action.
He adds that such efforts highlight the critical connection between disaster management, environmental protection, and climate change response, reinforcing the importance of collaborative partnerships in building stronger, more resilient maritime communities.
Meanwhile, in Soso Village, families received essential food rations as well as critical non-food items, aimed at helping affected households begin the recovery process after the severe weather event.
The distribution was carried out by a Government-led interagency team currently on the ground in the Yasawas.
The assistance was received in Soso Village by the Turaga na Tui Naviti.
The Ministry says the team is also conducting initial damage assessments to better understand the extent of the impact on communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
The team’s visit also provides an opportunity to engage directly with villagers, hear firsthand accounts of the challenges faced, and identify priority needs moving forward.