Fiji: Cyclone - OCHA-02: 20-Jan-99

Fiji - Tropical Cyclone Dani/Floods
OCHA Situation Report No. 2
20 January 1999


General Situation

1.  A high tide and exceptionally heavy rainfall sent flash floodwaters
sweeping through the northwest coastal towns of Fiji, mainly in the
districts of Ba, Lautoka and Nadi. According to the Disaster Management
Programme, South Pacific Office (DMP-SPO) in Suva, the most affected area
is the Western Division of the main island of Viti Levu. The Western
Division is the centre of Fiji's sugar cane industry, which has just
experienced a prolonged and damaging drought.

2.  According to a report received from the area, 1 person has been
confirmed dead and 8 persons are reportedly missing in the Western
Division. Many hundreds of people have lost significant amounts of
property and household possessions.  In some cases, they had only minutes'
notice before having to flee the rising waters in the middle of the night
of 18 January.  More than 2,000 people have been evacuated from their
homes to 32 evacuation centres, set up mainly in schools, but also in
community centres and churches.


National Response

3.  The Western Division Disaster Management Centre (DISMAC) was activated
with effect from 19 January and continues to operate. The police force is
active in evacuating families, assisting those in difficulties and
maintaining law and order in the flooded towns.

4.  The Government of Fiji is convening National Disaster Management
Committee Meetings to discuss the flood situation.  At present, the
Government is able to cope. Food rations available for the drought will
continue to be distributed since most of those affected by the drought are
also now affected by the flood. Field assessment of the situation is still
in progress. The Government has not declared a disaster situation so far.

5.  One United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) member
is currently in the affected area, assisting the DMP-SPO in the assessment
of the emergency situation. OCHA is in close contact with the DMP-SPO to
monitor further developments and to update information.


6.  This situation report and further information on ongoing emergencies
are also available on the OCHA Internet Website at
http://www.reliefweb.int

Telephone number: +41-22-917 12 34
In case of emergency: Tel: +41-22-917 20 10
Desk  Officers:  Ms. S. Metzner-Strack / Mr. R. Muller / Ms. M. Kondo, OCHA
Disaster Response Branch, direct Tel. +41-22-917-21 44/ 31 31/19 97
Press to contact: Ms. E. Ponomareva, direct Tel. +41-22-917-23 36
Telex: 414242 OCHA CH
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: info@dha.unicc.org


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