Oxfam has stepped in to assist with relief efforts in Koro, Ra and Tailevu today after flooding hit the already vulnerable regions on Friday.
Fiji
Cyclone Zena threatens Fiji
Fiji faces further extreme weather today as Tropical Cyclone Zena threatens to damage weak buildings and crops, and heavy rains bring “catastrophic” flooding, just over a month after the country was hit by Cyclone Winston.
Oxfam water & hygiene expert reports back from cyclone hit Fiji
Oxfam water and hygiene expert Carlos Calderon has landed in Fiji, where Oxfam is gearing up its aid efforts following the complete destruction left by Cyclone Winston.
[Read more…] about Oxfam water & hygiene expert reports back from cyclone hit Fiji
Water high priority in Winston response
Access to clean water and sanitation will be one of the greatest needs in Fiji’s Tropical Cyclone Winston response, and must be prioritised. Clean water for drinking and hand washing is essential for the prevention of waterborne diseases after a disaster.
Fiji Government trying to contact Tropical Cyclone Winston black spots as death toll rises
The Fijian Government is still trying to contact areas that haven’t been heard from since being struck by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston on the weekend. As the scale of devastation becomes more apparent, Oxfam may deploy more staff should assistance be required.
Ferocious Cyclone Winston tears through Fiji
As the scale of devastation wrought by Cyclone Winston in Fiji becomes apparent today,Oxfam is preparing to deploy emergency staff to assist staff already on the ground, in what is likely one of the worst cyclones ever seen in the Pacific region.
| Listen to Raijeli Nicole interviewed from Suva on Radio NZ this morning |
Oxfam’s regional director for the Pacific, Raijeli Nicole, based in Suva, reported flooding and ‘terrifying winds’.
“It’s very unnerving sitting in your house and hearing trees fall and crash all around you,” Nicole said.
“Many people outside the main urban centres live in simple structures, so there are fears the damage is likely to be significant right across Fiji. I’m in a stronger house, but we’re deeply concerned about the many others, in traditional housing.
“We’ll start to get a picture today of what Fiji has to deal with, and how we can best help.”
Oxfam New Zealand’s Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier said the cyclone could be devastating for Fiji. “As the picture in Fiji becomes clearer and the critical needs are assessed we’ll decide whether we need to help with the supply of clean water and sanitation or food security – or both.
“We know from experience that water and hygiene is often one of the greatest needs. Life threatening disease can spread quickly in the aftermath of disasters, like malaria and typhoid, spurring a second disaster for affected communities. Oxfam is there to help with whatever is most needed.
“This disaster is in our neighbourhood. Reports are still filtering in, but this is a crucial time to support our Fijian neighbours,” said Le Mesurier.
At its centre, Cyclone Winston was generating gusts of up to 325kph, with average winds of 230kph.
The Fijian Government has declared a state of natural disaster, and issued a curfew for the whole of Fiji, taking effect from 6pm Saturday local time.
Donate to our Cyclone Winston appeal
A family digs through whatever is left of their home in Ba #cyclonewinston #themorningafter pic.twitter.com/QDSO60ehwQ
— Naziah Ali (@Alinaziah) February 20, 2016
