Flood Emergency Response Project

Closed

A tropical depression (TD06F) with associated heavy rainfall affected the Western Division of Fiji from 23-27 January 2012 causing landslides and widespread flooding of low lying areas. Nearly 25,000 people were affected with over 4,000 people being forced from their homes and floods and landslides claiming eight lives in total. Water and electricity supplies were disrupted and infrastructure and crops (in particular, sugarcane) suffered extensive damage.A state of natural disaster was declared for areas of the Western Division on 25 January 2012 effective for a period of 15 days. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) coordinated and closely monitored the recovery measures taken by the relevant government agencies and NGOs. The Fiji Red Cross assisted affected people in over 70 evacuation centers throughout Fiji. Assessment reports were collated from Divisional and District Emergency Operation Centers and initial damage and needs assessments were undertaken for agriculture, health, water and sanitation and infrastructure.Relief efforts have focused on priority areas such as the provision of shelter, education, and food supplies as well as restoring critical water and health services. However, based on preliminary estimation of damages more resources are required in order to meet all relief needs. In recognition of this, the Government of Fiji requested immediate ADB assistance under the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF) on 27 January 2012.