Navy leaves with relief supplies

HMAS Adelaide, which has this week been seen from the Moreton Bay Region foreshore, will today leave for Fiji to help with relief efforts following Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

One of the largest ships ever built for the Royal Australia Navy, Adelaide has been in Brisbane collecting emergency supplies.

Adelaide will head out into the Pacific today and is expected to arrive in Fiji next week to help with the humanitarian relief following TC Yasa.

Relief package

Many Fijians in remote islands, had homes, schools and other local infrastructure damaged or destroyed by the category 5 cyclone.

Australia’s $4.5 million package will include building materials, tents, medical supplies, solar lighting, hygiene kits, education supplies and support for international and local NGOs and the Fiji Red Cross.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said Adelaide will carry personnel and equipment to best complement the relief efforts led by the Government of Fiji.

Critical role

“Members from the Australian Army’s 6th Engineering Support Regiment from Brisbane will assist Fijian authorities to clear debris, and repair critical infrastructure and schools,” Minister Reynolds said.

“As the scale of the destruction in Fiji caused by TC Yasa becomes clear, Australia is proud to partner with our Fijian vuvale to support their recovery efforts.”

Australia has already sent emergency humanitarian supplies to Fiji on two RAAF C-17A Globemaster flights in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone.

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