19 Apr 2017

New Caledonia releases funds to cyclone-hit areas

1:16 pm on 19 April 2017

New Caledonian communities hit by Cyclone Cook last week will get emergency assistance from the local government.

Cyclone Cook

Photo: YouTube/ Breaking Disaster

President Philippe Germain has released a million US dollars, which means that 23 communities will each receive $US4500 for urgent repairs.

The category 3 storm crossed the main island Grande Terre, damaging homes, uprooting trees, downing power lines and destroying crops.

Mr Germain said additional funding would be given by the three provincial governments while damage assessments are continuing.

He said he had also approached the French High Commission, asking for a declaration of natural disaster in order to trigger the release of more emergency assistance.

The morning after the initial impact of Cyclone Cook in New Caledonia.

The morning after the initial impact of Cyclone Cook in New Caledonia. Photo: Supplied

Plans were still being worked on to help farmers in the Boulouparis and Bourail areas on the west coast and those on the east coast who lost their food gardens.

More than a week after the Cyclone, hundreds of people are still without power.

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