Australian sailors will embark on a Christmas eve humanitarian mission to help thousands of people in cyclone-struck Fiji.
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HMAS Adelaide will leave Brisbane on Thursday as the federal government provides $4.5 million to help the island neighbour recover from category five Tropical Cyclone Yasa.
The system was one of the strongest cyclones recorded in the Pacific, and made landfall on the northern island of Vanua Leva last week.
It brought torrential rain and gusts up to 345km/h to the archipelago, which was already ravaged by Tropical Cyclone Harold in April.
The homes of thousands of Fijians, along with schools and other infrastructure were damaged or destroyed.
HMAS Adelaide will carry personnel and equipment to complement the efforts of the Fijian government, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said.
"Members from the Australian Army's 6th Engineering Support Regiment from Brisbane will assist Fijian authorities to clear debris, and repair critical infrastructure and schools," she added.
The ship with a crew of about 400 is expected to arrive in Fiji next week.
The relief package will include supplies such as building materials, tents, medical supplies, solar lighting and hygiene kits, education supplies and support for organisations and the Fiji Red Cross to aid their work with affected communities.
In the immediate aftermath of the cyclone Australia sent emergency humanitarian supplies to Fiji on two RAAF C-17A Globemaster flights.
The RAAF also conducted two aerial assessment missions to obtain an early picture of the scale of damage caused by Yasa in remote locations.
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said leftover aid sent to Fiji in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Harold in April was also used to help meet the immediate needs of those affected by Yasa.
Australian Associated Press
