TC Winston Activity Update - 31 March

In the 6 weeks since TC Winston blew its devastating path through Fiji the Operation Foundation team have been engaged in relief efforts. This has been made possible by both the willingness of the team to lend more than a helping hand and by the willingness of so many of our ministry partners to financially support our efforts.

To the end of March some $16,478.00 FJD was received. We have been inspired by the willingness of so many to contribute to the restoration of Fiji. What has been a real delight is the willingness of local ministry partners contribute to Operation Foundation's efforts. The graph below shows the breakdown of support received. The support has continues to come in and we are grateful for the sacrifice and generosity of so many.

Relief Funds Received to 31 March

To the end of March the team had visited 12 villages and settlements providing emergency relief and aid. Over a thousand people were impacted by these visits and distributions across 3 islands, Viti Levu (the main island), Vanua Levu (the northern island), Taveuni (the garden island). 

Additionally the team have prepared and conducted a Healing Trauma workshop to affected people from Koro Island. These survivors experienced some of the worst devastation and loss of life and property and were relocated to Suva. Other workshops and trainings have been scheduled for the months ahead.

To the end of March some $4720 FJD has been expended in initial emergency relief and aid and more distributions of assistance are in planning.

Distribution of Relief Funds to 31 March

In the last week Fiji has again suffered at the extremes of nature with significant rainfall resulting in flooding. Emergency centres have been rehousing affected people and a new cyclone, TC Zena formed and threatened as a category 3 before miraculously breaking apart and suddenly moving away.

Our efforts are now in revisiting these 12 villages and communities and assisting in the re-establishing of livelihood and providing materials for shelter. The Healing Trauma workshops are gaining momentum and necessary as a step in helping people rebuild lives.

Our constructive step over the next months will be in the partnership with 'Tekivu Tale - Rebuild Fiji'. This movement spearheaded by Pst Mark Wilson has given a commitment to rebuild 30 homes and we are pleased to be playing our part in this effort.

Trauma Counselling

Koro Island participants of the Healing Trauma Workshop

The evidence of shock and trauma among the people was the constant discussion in our team debriefings after we had delivered aid and assistance into villages and communities. In response, Don Goulding and Jill Schultz, prepared a 3-hour 'Healing Trauma Workshop' which was has been conducted to our first participants, who were all from one devastated village on Koro Island.

53 people came together to participate in the Healing Trauma workshop. These wonderful people were survivors had been relocated to Suva after there village was demolished. Their stories of the night of survival were incredible, inspiring and humbling. Families said goodbye to each other as the 300kmh+ winds tore buildings apart, and storm surges filled the same homes and escape routes with sea water. Our time with these men. women and children was powerful - we learnt much from each other!

Other affected villages and communities are now asking for this workshop and the Operation Foundation team is moving in response. To maximise the impact we have developed a booklet which has now been translated into Fijian and we are training additional local volunteers.

It is a privilege to work together, at a time like this, in a restoration ministry.