An emergency appeal has been launched for the victims of one of the strongest storms ever to hit the Southern Hemisphere.

Cyclone Winston hit the Fiji Islands on the 20th February, killing at least 30 people and leaving a trail of damage across several islands. Homes, sometimes entire villages, as well as infrastructure and communication links have been flattened.

“Some of the most severely affected communities are those where Anglican Aid and the Youthworks Year 13 Mission teams have been working,” said Mr Mansfield, CEO of Anglican Aid.

Anglican Aid will be partnering with the Anglican Church of Polynesia to help people affected in the rural village of Maniava on Viti Levu.

“Maniava, an isolated community of impoverished subsistence farmers originally from the Solomon Island, is one such community which has lost virtually everything,” Mr Mansfield said.

Winston is the only known Category 5 storm, and therefore the most the most intense cyclone, to ever hit Fiji.

Donations can be made through the Anglican Aid website or by calling 1800 653 903

Above:An aerial view from a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster aircraft  revealing widespread floods in Fiji caused by tropical cyclone Winston. photo: ABIS Chris Beerens