The Pacific region covers a vast geographical area comprising thousands of islands and atolls. The majority of Pacific Island countries contend with the challenges of smallness and geographic isolation. The Pacific Island countries are heavily aid-assisted.

Updated May 4, 2011 07:57:59

A conference in Fiji is looking at ways to improve options for people who are displaced by natural disasters and conflicts in the Pacific.

Experts say natural disasters are increasing in the region, but there's little awareness about how to ensure the welfare of people who are left homeless after disaster strikes.

Representatives from the governments of Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands, along with civil society groups, have gathered in Suva for the three day workshop.

Fiji's Health Ministry is urging people during the wet season to take precautions against disease.

Heavy rain last week has caused some flash floods in Ba and Rakiraki in the country's Western division.

National Emergency Health Coordinator, Semi Masilomani describes the health risks those affected by flash floods and cyclones could be facing over the next few months.

Presenter: Christine Webster

Speaker: Fiji National Emergency Health Coordinator, Semi Masilomani

"One of the highest priorities when responding to a disaster is securing safe drinking water. People cannot survive without water," said Annie Rogers, Fiji Red Cross National

The Multi-Ethnic Affairs director Mr Sushil Sudhakar reiterated to community members the need to work in unity so this project could benefit them and the generations to come.

"Our Government has always been committed to providing better services to the people in terms of proper water supply, better health services and assisting people in the education

31e séance -matin

LA DEUXIÈME COMMISSION ADOPTE SEPT PROJETS DE RÉSOLUTION, DONT TROIS LIÉS À L'ENVIRONNEMENT ET À LA PRÉVENTION DES CATASTROPHES NATURELLES

Elle recommande par ailleurs à l'Assemblée générale de proroger

le mandat du Forum sur la gouvernance d'Internet pour une nouvelle période de cinq ans

La Commission économique et financière (Deuxième Commission) a adopté ce matin par consensus sept projets de résolution, dont un par lequel elle recommande à l'Assemblée générale de proroger le

The Pacific region covers a vast geographical area comprising thousands of islands and atolls. The majority of Pacific island countries contend with the challenges of smallness and geographic isolation. The Pacific island countries are the most heavily aid-assisted part of the world on a per capita basis. The high rates of migration in the region are primarily a response to real and perceived inequalities in socio-economic opportunities.

A variety of hazards including cyclones, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides - constitute

BOGOTA (AlertNet) - South Pacific nations threatened with rising sea levels linked to climate change are looking to adopt a regional disaster insurance plan based on a lauded Caribbean scheme which aims to soften the economic impact of natural catastrophes.

The World Bank launched the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), the first multi-country insurance scheme of its kind, in 2007, after Hurricane Ivan inflicted billions of dollars in losses on the region in 2004.

The scheme promises member governments

In brief

Programme summary:

Cross sectoral initiatives during this period include:

- A dialogue with the Pacific Island Forum on potential cooperation initiatives.

- Delivery of the regional Community Resilience Forum, aimed at improving understanding of members in integrated approaches to working with communities.

- A monthly regional newsletter contributed to sharing best practice and improved coordination between Pacific members and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners.

- A monthly roster of travel by all