Highlights
Humanitarian actors have appealed for US$38.6 million to address life-saving needs in the next three months.
More than 6,660 farmers have received seeds.
Over 4,000 young children need to regain access to early childhood and education (ECCE) centres.
26,126 people have received WASH kits across the affected areas.
Situation Overview
On 4 March, the Fijian Government and the United Nations jointly launched a US$38.6 million Flash Appeal to address the humanitarian needs of the 350,000 people affected by the cyclone. The Government estimates the cost of the damage will top FJ$1 billion (US$ 500 million). Shelter, health, food security, water, sanitation and hygiene, education and protection have been identified as the most urgent needs and are all covered by projects in the Appeal. At the strategic level, the response will focus on life-saving assistance and re-establishment of basic services, restoration of livelihoods and self-reliance, as well as safety and protection for vulnerable women, girls, boys and men, including provision of emergency and transitional shelter. You can read the full Appeal here.
General Coordination
Cross-sectoral synergies are emerging in the response. For instance, the WASH and Education Clusters have formed the joint WASH in Schools technical group coordinating 17 partners. The working group has agreed on a draft strategy and standards.
Humanitarian partners began preliminary discussions on cash and voucher programming, which had been identified as a possible modality for food security, shelter and other sectors in the Flash Appeal. It was agreed to convene an informal cash working group to discuss options including the use of vouchers, cash for work around debris clearance, and ways to work through existing Fijian social protection systems among others.
The Fiji Government is leading the response to the emergency. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is coordinating efforts and has activated National and Divisional Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs). A 30 day State of Natural Disaster has been declared and will expire on March 21. National Clusters have been tasked with identifying specific needs and working in cooperation with international and national partners to ensure gaps are covered. The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is providing technical advice and support to the Fiji Government, agencies and partners.
The PHT, as well as new partners arriving in Fiji, are requested to work through the existing Fijian cluster structure to allow for a coordinated and effective response. It has been agreed that UNOCHA will be the conduit for communications between the NDMO and international humanitarian partners regarding offers of assistance within Fiji and internationally.