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SPC supports recovery efforts in Fiji
SUVA, Fiji—As flood waters recede across Fiji, disaster management experts from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community are continuing to assist the national government’s response and recovery efforts in the wake of a tropical depression that hit the Pacific Island country this past week.
Three technical disaster experts from SPC are providing direct support to the National Emergency Operations Center through the preparation of briefings and situation reports along with planned response and recovery measures such as ensuring water purification is distributed to communities in need.
A Geographic Information Systems mapping expert is also supporting the team to ensure damage assessments and critical disaster data is being analyzed to assist the relief efforts.
The provision of scientific and technical advice support comes in response to a request from Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office.
“The government of Fiji is grateful for partners like the [SPC] who continually support the government’s lead role in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response. At the end of the day, this continuous partnership will benefit those communities affected by disasters like the recent tropical depression,” National Disaster Management Office director Akapusi Tuifagalele said.
Overall damage is estimated at FJD10.7 million with FJD 8.5 million in damage sustained to roads and FJD 1.8 million to water supply, leaving many communities still without water and power as floodwaters recede.
“Our thoughts are with the country and communities that are starting to recover and as an organization we are committed to deploying disaster response teams and provide technical assistance to reinforce the Fiji government’s response efforts as required over the coming weeks as the nation recovers from yet another disaster in less than 12 months,” SPC deputy director-general Dr. Audrey Aumua said. (SPC)
