80% of schools in the country will be open next week Monday.

Minister for Education Dr Mahendra Reddy says these schools include the ones that have not been damaged and schools that have had minor damages.

Dr Reddy says they are targeting schools that have been badly damaged to open by next week Sunday.

He says for Queen Victoria School and other schools who have been badly damaged, their plan is to relocate the students to nearby schools.

Dr Reddy adds the Ministry has been erecting tents from Nabou Primary School in Nadroga all the way to Lautoka as this will be used as a temporary classroom for the students and teachers.

 

Australia sends navy vessel to assist with cyclone relief

The Royal Australian Navy vessel HMAS Canberra which is expected to arrive in Fiji next Tuesday has approximately 880 personnel on board to assist in the Tropical Cyclone Winston relief operation.

The office of the Australia High Commission says HMAS Canberra has Army engineering assets, three additional MRH‑90 helicopters, water purification equipment, medical and humanitarian supplies on board.

These relief supplies will be used to assist with the clearance of debris, restoration of power, purification of water and the conduct of engineering assessments.

Meanwhile, the Australian government has also sent four MRH-90 helicopters to help distribute relief supplies to the affected areas around the country.

The office of the Australia High Commission says two P3 Orion aircraft are also in the country to assist with surveillance.

Stores delivered from Australia since the beginning of this week include 1,584 hygiene kits containing basic personal items for families, 160,000 water purification tablets and 288 shelter tool kits to help people repair their houses.

Australia has also sent 576 tarpaulins which will provide urgent assistance to an additional 9,000 people.