Manila, 22 February 2016 – With Cyclone Winston causing massive devastation in Fiji last weekend, Global non-profit housing organization Habitat for Humanity is now on the ground supporting damage assessments, and planning to respond to this disaster.

“We have reports that some villages in the cyclone’s path were 100% damaged, with severe or total damage to all homes. Communication to most rural areas is down, and power is out in most of the country. Habitat for Humanity has three staff in the field supporting damage assessments with the local government. We are planning to respond with emergency shelter assistance to affected families,” said Masi Latinara, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Fiji.

Habitat for Humanity has supported programs in Fiji since 1991. Staff are currently assessing the situation and coordinating with government agencies and partners for the disaster response operation. Habitat for Humanity is planning to respond with emergency shelter assistance. Based on funding availability, the longer-term response will follow Habitat’s model of assisting affected communities with housing solutions ranging from emergency shelter interventions to permanent home reconstruction.

Habitat for Humanity has worldwide experience responding to disasters, most recently following Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, and to the earthquake in Nepal in 2015.

To donate, visit:

http://www.give2habitat.org/fiji/cyclonewinston

To arrange interviews, or for further information, please contact Geno Teofilo, 63 905 669 5985, [email protected] or Michele Soh, 65 9233 1544, [email protected]