SUVA, 15 December 2009 - UNICEF in the Pacific is on stand by to support children and their families affected by Cyclone Mick that hit all major islands of Fiji on 14 December.
The category 2 cyclone swept over the Yasawa and Mamanuca islands before making landfall on the North Western side of the main island of Viti Levu which houses the largest population concentration in Fiji. Despite early warnings cyclone Mick hit Fiji quicker than expected catching many people off guard and leaving a trail of destruction as it made its way across Viti Levu.
Three people are reported dead from the cyclone, more are missing and 2,064 girls and boys and 1,781 women and men are reported to have taken refuge at 68 evacuation centers established across Fiji. From all over the island nation there are reports of flash floods, flooding, damages to trees and power lines, and on Viti Levu several roads remain closed due to flooding and landslides. Electricity has been disconnected in most places and it will take days until power has been re-established throughout Fiji.
UNICEF Pacific is standing by to support the Government of Fiji to meet the needs of affected children and families in accordance with ongoing rapid assessments.
For more information, please contact:
Tomas Jensen, Communication Specialist
Tel + 679 3300439
E-mail tjensen@unicef.org