UN CERF Supports IOM Response to Tropical Cyclone Harold Devastation in Fiji
Resilient Communities
Nature based Solutions (NbS)
Climate resilience
Food preservation
Disaster Risk Reduction
Gender & Social Inclusion
Empowered communities
Resilient Communities
Nature based Solutions (NbS)
Climate resilience
Food preservation
Disaster Risk Reduction
Gender & Social Inclusion
Empowered communities
Date: 13 November 2020
Tropical Cyclone Harold caused extensive destruction after making landfall as a category 4 storm in the Republic of Fiji on 8 April 2020.
Since then, International Organization for Migration’s partnership with the Fijian NGO Live and Learn has supported the ongoing rebuilding efforts by responding to the shelter needs of some of the most vulnerable households affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold (‘TC Harold’) in Vatulele island and Tailevu province (Western and Central Divisions respectively).
To address the shelter, water and sanitation and food security needs of 200,000 people affected, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) contributed USD 100,000 to the IOM’s response.
The Category 4 cyclone, which left a trail of destruction in its path with average winds of up to 195km/hr and gusts up to 275km/hr caused substantial damage to dwellings, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure across the country. The devastation caused by the cyclone was followed by heavy rains for several weeks, which added flash flooding damage to the widespread destruction.
The humanitarian response was further impacted by COVID-19 lock-down measures, including national travel restrictions on all inter island transfers which limited access to cyclone affected areas.
A total of 464 households whose shelters were damaged in the Western and Central Divisions are receiving the supplies necessary to rebuild their homes. They are also participating in a Build Back Safer (BBS) training which trains people on building techniques, the identification of safe building locations and how to use locally available materials in conjunction with the items and tools included in the repair kit to rebuild their homes.
According to Vusuya Settlement’s community representative, “learning about how to strap roofs using the material provided is really important as most houses were roofless after TC Harold.”
Source: IOM Website