Attachments
GLIDE no. TC-2010-000054-FJI
This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The IFRC is not seeking funding or other forms of assistance from donors for this operation.
Cyclone Tomas, became a "category four" cyclone before reaching the Fiji Islands on Monday, 15 March 2010. The slow moving system gained intensity as it moved south across the northern islands of Fiji, over Vanua Levu, the Lau and Lomaiviti group bringing destructive winds and heavy rains. At its peak Tomas was estimated to have winds at strengths of up to 175-205 kilometers per hour with momentary gusts of up to 270 kilometers per hour. The Fijian government declared a state of disaster in the northern and eastern divisions of Fiji yesterday. Extensive damage is expected in the northern and eastern divisions as damage assessments get under way. Telecommunications, power and water were cut off in affected islands. Since 16 March 2010 there are 240 evacuation centres in the affected divisions with more than 17,000 evacuees occupying them; and one death has been confirmed. The Fiji ministry of foreign affairs has formally requested international assistance with the provision of air support for medical evacuation, transportation of rations and aerial survey as well as immediate relief assistance. (Immediate relief assistance includes: shelter, food, blankets, drinking water, water purification tablets and water containers).
The Situation
The centre of cyclone Tomas was located 50 kilometers southeast of Totoya Island, 50 kilometers southwest of Kambara Island and about 150 kilometers northwest of Ona-I-Lau last night. Tomas peaked in intensity on Monday, and most models are now forecasting cyclone Tomas to continue to slowly decrease in strength and to maintain a southerly course over the next 24 to 48 hours across the remainder of Fiji's Southern Lau group of islands. Tomas' path moved south over Cikobia and Rabi before moving over Vanua Levu, Tavenui and Qamea. Tomas then proceeded over the Lau group of islands moving south at 20 kilometers (km) per hour and continues to affect the southern islands. By four o'clock this morning, cyclone Tomas was expected to be 500km southeast of Suva; and 110km south of Ono-I-Lau. On its current track, Tomas is expected to keep away from Tonga.
The Fijian government declared a state of disaster in the northern and eastern divisions of Fiji yesterday. Extensive damage is expected in the northern and eastern divisions as damage assessments get under way. The central division, including the capital Suva, suffered from strong winds while the western division has not experienced much impact from cyclone Tomas. Communications with Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Cikobia and many of the other smaller islands was cut off as all telecommunications providers experienced damages to their stations and installations. Since 16 March there are 240 evacuation centres with over 17,000 evacuees occupying them. Informal reports indicate damage to infrastructure, power supplies and extensive damage to gardens and crops. Fiji's Nadi airport reopened the afternoon of 16 March. International flights in and out of Nadi have resumed since yesterday; and domestic flights between Nadi and Suva resumed this morning. Fiji's ministry of foreign affairs has formally requested international assistance with the provision of air support for medical evacuation, transportation of rations and aerial survey. Fiji's ministry of foreign affairs has also requested immediate relief assistance in the form of shelter, food, blankets, drinking water, water purification tablets and water containers.
Today, 17 March 2010, the Australian and New Zealand governments answered parts of the Fijian ministry of foreign affairs' requests. The Australian and New Zealand governments have deployed planes carrying tarpaulins, tents, water containers, water purification tablets; and have sent assistance to help with aerial surveys of the affected areas. Both governments have also indicated that they will provide financial support for the response effort in Fiji.