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Tropical Depression TD04F - Dec 2016

Disaster description

Due to a Tropical Depression that is passing near the Fiji islands, heavy rain and strong winds have been affecting most areas of the country, especially the Central and Eastern divisions, causing floods and landslides. Approx. 226 mm of rain in 24 h were recorded in Nausori (Central division, Viti Levu island) over 15-16 December.

Local media, as of 16 December early morning (UTC), reported that 282 people have been evacuated, of which 120 in the Eastern and 162 in the Central divisions. Traffic has been disrupted and power cut off in several parts of these divisions.

Over the next 48 hours, the Tropical Depression will continue to move near the eastern side of Fiji islands. Heavy rain and strong winds may continue to affect most of the country. As of 16 December early morning (UTC), Heavy Rain and Flood Warnings are in effect for the whole country. (ECHO, 16 Dec 2016)

The Tropical Depression was located to the west of Fiji as of 19 December. Some 1,363 people have been evacuated to 86 evacuation centres following flash floods. In Central Division, area water supplies have been cut off and power outages have been reported. In the Northern Division, the government is providing emergency food rations to Qamea Island. (OCHA, 19 Dec 2016)

As of 22 December, the flood alert in Fiji had been cancelled, but there was extensive damage reported in parts of the country, according to media reports. Around 50,000 people are facing water disruptions in the Central Division as a result of damage to the water pumping stations at Fiji's Waimanu and Wainibukur. A total of 2,327 people are currently being housed at 119 evacuation centres around the country. Officials with the Disaster Management Office, or DISMAC, said the initial assessment damage from the tropical depression stands at $FJD10.7 million, or over $US 5.3 million. (RNZ, 22 Dec 2016)

As of 23 December, the Red Cross has reached ten communities. Distribution of cleaning kits to flood-affected households has commenced along with other non-food assistance. Restoring access to fresh water to Rakiraki for drinking and cleaning remains the priority. (RNZ, 23 Dec 2016)

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