22 Mar 2010

Damage to health facilities in Fiji's north and east after Cyclone Tomas

5:12 am on 22 March 2010

Reports received by Fiji's Health Ministry indicate extensive damage to facilities in the Northern and Eastern Division caused by Cyclone Tomas.

Ministry spokesperson, Iliesa Tora told Fiji Broadcasting that damage to hospitals, clinics, nurse's quarters, doctor's homes and health centres has been reported.

UNICEF has donated 10 health kits to the Ministry - which Mr Tora says is enough to cater for a few islands affected by the hurricane.

He says teams are in Lau delivering supplies, while more equipment for the health facilities is on its way.

He says they are concerned at the quality of drinking water - especially in the islands in Lau.

The number of fatalities from Cyclone Tomas has increased to three with the discovery of the body of a man whose home had been hit by a falling tree.