6 Apr 2012

NZ to give more money to flood-hit Fiji

5:57 pm on 6 April 2012

The New Zealand Government says it will offer more money to Fiji now that the scale of the flooding is becoming apparent.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says the Government is giving a further $750,000 to agencies helping flood victims in addition to $500,000 offered earlier this week.

The west of the main island of Viti Levu was swamped after torrential rain which began on Thursday last week, claiming the lives of five people and forcing thousands into evacuation centres.

Mr McCully says a number of organisations other than the Red Cross are in Fiji and have asked the Government for funding.

He says the money will be used to purchase relief supplies or services requested by Fiji.