Cyclone Winston dealt a devastating blow to the South Pacific island nation of Fiji on February 20, 2016.

The worst cyclone in Fiji’s history resulted in the deaths of more than 40 people and damaged or destroyed an estimated 32,000 homes. In all, the lives of some 350,000 people have been affected by the cyclone.

Supported by the Israeli Foreign Ministry and in partnership with the Israel Embassy in Australia, the Israeli non-governmental organization IsraAID brought a delegation of volunteers to help.

These Israeli engineers, water specialists, and trauma experts are building shelters, distributing supplies including water and construction material, and offering guidance in sanitation and psycho-social support to residents of Vuma, one of the worst-affected villages.

In addition, the Israelis organized an educational program for the children in Vuma.

The island nation remains in a state of emergency as affected communities to continue receiving relief supplies and other forms of much-needed aid.

IsraAID Founding Director Shachar Zahavi said that the relief team will stay in Fiji for a few months and will rebuild a model village with the Israeli Embassy.

(via Israel21c)

[Photo: IsraAID]