International aid continues to pour in to assist the government in the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas.

The United States has pledged to provide $191,000 to the Fiji Red Cross in relief efforts and said it will continue to work with the Fiji government agencies and non-government organisations.

US Ambassador to Fiji Steven McGann said the US supports Fiji in its time of need and sympathies go to those who have suffered losses.

McGann said the US remains committed to helping the people of Fiji develop institutions with the capacity to meet their needs.

He highlights that last November the US Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance conducted a four day disaster management exercise in Fiji that trained numerous local stakeholders and officials on preparations for emergency services in the event of a destructive natural disaster.

McGann said the Center will provide follow up training in Fiji later this year and in addition, the Center plans to invite representatives from Fiji along with other pacific island states to participate in the 2010 Health Emergencies in Large Populations course.