China on Monday provided emergency humanitarian aid worth $100,000 to Fiji Red Cross Society after a cyclone hit the country over the weekend. China was the first country to help out Fiji after the severe tropical cyclone claimed at least 20 lives.

Gu Yu, the minister of the Chinese embassy in Fiji, stated that China sympathizes with Fiji in this great crisis and pledged to provide help to its people in building their homes back, according to Chinese state media. The national president of the Fiji Red Cross Society Cathy Wong accepted the aid from China on Monday, Feb. 22.

Like Us on Facebook

Gu said the Chinese embassy is in close connection with relevant departments of the Fijian government for disaster situation updates. He emphasized that China will keep on helping Fiji and will be actively involve in the country's reconstruction projects.

While accepting the humanitarian aid, Wong stated that China is the first country to donate to the Fiji Red Cross Society. She noted that Fiji Red Cross is very grateful for the timely donation provided by the Red Cross Society of China. Sehe said the society will make effective use of the aid provided by providing disaster relief and reconstruction to victims of the cyclone.

The natural disaster that struck Fiji was named Winston, a category five tropical cyclone. This is the highest level based on their maximum sustained winds or its severity. Winston swept through Fiji between the Pacific island country's main island of Viti Levu and northern island of Vanua Levu. The cyclone had wind gusts of over 320 kilometers per hour, tearing roofs and uprooting trees on its wake. It reportedly cut off power supplies and communications as well.

In response, Fiji has declared a state of natural disaster for 30 days. At least 20 people died when the cyclone struck.

TagsChina-Fiji, Fiji, Winston, Fiji tropical cyclone