Concerns held for relations in Fiji
BY PENNY WARDLE
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The Saunaqali family of Springlands have been overwhelmed by support and sympathy, as cyclones ravage their Fijian homeland.
Yesterday morning, Eta Saunaqali talked to her mother in Lautoka City on the main island of Viti Levu, which escaped the cyclones relatively unscathed.
Her mother was fine but concerned about the safety of a sister, nephew and sister-in-law who could not be contacted.
One of these women and her son lived on the badly affected island of Cikobia, 20 hours travel from Viti Levu and the other on Taveuni Island, which had also been hard hit, Mrs Saunaqali said.
"It's nice when you go out and people know you are Fijian and ask about our family," she said.
"We thank everyone for their sentiments."
Daughters Emma and Susana, who attend Marlborough Girls' College, and Mary, who is at Bohally Intermediate School, said fellow pupils knew about the cyclones and wished them and their families the best.
Mitch Saunaqali found it hard to be in New Zealand when he knew that people at home could use help. But his wife said it was a relief that her daughters and niece were far away from the danger.
The Saunaqalis' seven-year-old niece, Suzie, was looking forward to her mother arriving in Blenheim last night.
She was to have flown out of Nadi yesterday morning to return to Blenheim, but the flight was delayed by the twin cyclones.
The Saunaqalis were especially concerned about people relying on crops destroyed by Cyclones Ului and Tomas for their food and income.
They were surprised that Fiji's military regime had imposed a 9am to 1pm curfew on all but tourist areas, to prevent looting.
Schools and businesses were closed.
To anyone wondering how they can help, Mrs Saunaqali said prayers would be appreciated.
Meanwhile, a New Zealand Air Force Hercules carrying disaster relief supplies left for Fiji today.
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said a Hercules left New Zealand about 6am with relief supplies and personnel who would undertake reconnaissance work and damage assessment.
The plane may be in Fiji for several days and New Zealand would accept ongoing tasking if Fiji requested it, Mr McCully said.
An Orion was also on standby to provide further reconnaissance if required.
Hundreds of New Zealanders were known to be in Fiji but the Foreign Affairs Ministry said there had been no reports of any casualties.
At least five New Zealand tourists were trapped on the northeastern island of Qamea without phones and power.
Parts of the country that the "eye" of Tomas passed over experienced sea swells of up to seven metres, with several coastal villages inundated by sea surges.
- The Marlborough Express
