S/Y Outsider
returned for resupplying to Elllington Wharf where Sea Mercy restocked them
with hardware and building supplies. The mission objective for builder Ian is
to work with the Makogai Island village to become self-sufficient for their
water again by installing new guttering and providing a means of water
catchment when the rain does come. Another one of the Sea Mercy fleet are
waiting for spare parts then heading to Makogai to sit on anchor making water
for the village.
Sea Mercy had
been receiving reports about villages that, as of today, have still not
received any support. A chartered seaplane plus four Government officials
identified that there are three Northern Ra coastal villages that are still
completely cut off and have received no assistance.
S/Y Zazoo –
Juan, our charismatic Brazilian, has been chomping at the bit to get out and
help wherever he can. A fully laden Zazoo left Denarau today heading for
Ellington Wharf and will be directed to supply those coastal Northern Ra
villages.
In the same
assessment flight, a group of interior hinterland villages were identified as
being unvisited. Sea Mercy are working closely with Govt, Higgins (who are
doing an AMAZING job clearing roads!) and Commissioner Western to supply these
villages tomorrow.
S/Y Shine –
Shine had a successful trip from Makogai to Batiki and were met with tears of
joy when they offloaded much needed supplies. Lauren our floating nurse met
with local village health workers and assisted them in the assessment of the
general health of the village. Again water is a huge issue for Batiki, and
until water collection and storage solutions are found in Nagani the villagers
cannot rebuild or return so have to remain hosted by Monoku village. Shine
dropped off additional medical supplies to the hospital in Levuka before
heading to the mainland to pick up Shelter Boxes for Batiki.
The Nai’a has
just departed for Tavenui this evening and has been loaded up with water
purification tools, tents, shelter boxes and solar lights. Nigel has been
working closely with RNZAF and was able to facilitate the Sea Mercy consignment
which took up nearly 7 tonnes of the 8 tonne manifest! Temporary, solid
accommodation in the form of robust tents are a key priority which will allow
the rebuilding of stronger more structurally sound buildings. With Australia
and NZ navy support arriving, Sea Mercy’s first response phase is drawing to an
end. Now we are focusing on working with villages and helping them rebuild to
become self-sufficient again.
Once again –
thank you everyone who has donated to the Sea Mercy Fiji cause. The money and
goods you donate are going directly to those who so desperately need it
throughout Fiji. For all our amazing volunteers, those on our fleet of vessels
and those busily organizing our immaculate (but incredibly hot) warehouse –
vinaka vaka levu. None of our amazing achievements would be possible without
you.
