Serious humanitarian needs remain in cyclone-devastated Fiji

Suva, 20 April, 2016

On the two month anniversary of Tropical Cyclone Winston hitting Fiji, leaders have paused to reflect on the enormous disaster response that is still underway and the significant humanitarian needs which remain.

“As we reach this two month milestone, I would like to thank all of the dedicated men and women who have been working on this response from around country and across the world,” Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu said.

“Together, we have reached thousands of people with emergency food, shelter, water, and medical supplies in their hour of need. It has been an enormous effort but there is still a long road ahead and we will continue to work with the support of our international partners to ensure that no one is left behind.”

The cyclone and a massive storm surge left a path of destruction across Fiji on 20 and 21 February, leaving more than 40 people dead, damaging or destroying more than 31,000 houses and wiping out life-sustaining food crops. Flooding over recent weeks has compounded the suffering of many who are still living without a permanent roof over their heads.

“As planning begins for longer-term recovery and reconstruction it is important to emphasize that humanitarian efforts must continue, particularly in locations hit by both the cyclone and subsequent flooding. Urgent needs include the distribution of agricultural supplies, construction of shelter and toilets, mosquito control and surveillance measures to stop the spread of disease, and the provision of psychosocial support,” Humanitarian Coordinator, Osnat Lubrani, said.

The recent flooding has eroded some of the gains made through early humanitarian action with many of the crops re-planted post-Winston now washed away.

“Our work is far from over. There is an acute need for the distribution of more seeds and seedlings to kick-start food production in areas hit by the cyclone and floods. This is vital to reducing the risk of food insecurity over the months ahead. Training to help people build back stronger, safer houses is also among the country’s most critical ongoing needs. In addition, there is continued demand for expert support to help the country cope with the psychosocial impacts of this traumatic event, especially among children,” Ms Lubrani said.

The Government and humanitarian partners are again urging the international community to support projects aimed at meeting the country’s outstanding needs.

“I want to thank the Governments who have given so generously to this response but critical needs remain. Even small donations from the international community can make a huge difference in the lives of those affected by this disaster. I urge governments to give whatever they can to help ease people’s ongoing suffering and lay the foundations for a more resilient Fiji into the future,” Ms Lubrani said.

For further information, please contact:

Danielle Parry, Public Information Officer, OCHA Regional Office Pacific (ROP), Suva Email: parryd@un.org Mobile: +679 777 1433

Situation reports and other materials related to the Tropical Cyclone Winston response are available on UNOCHA’s Humanitarian Info page.