Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SUVA21
2009-01-16 00:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Suva
Cable title:
FIJI FLOOD REQUIRING INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
how-toR 160055Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY SUVA TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0958 INFO AMEMBASSY MANILA USMISSION GENEVA AMEMBASSY BANGKOK NSC WASHDC CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
UNCLAS SUVA 000021
AIDAC, MANILA FOR CONTROLLER, GENEVA FOR KYLOH
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM FJ
SUBJECT: FIJI FLOOD REQUIRING INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
REF: SUVA 00016
UNCLAS SUVA 000021
AIDAC, MANILA FOR CONTROLLER, GENEVA FOR KYLOH
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM FJ
SUBJECT: FIJI FLOOD REQUIRING INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
REF: SUVA 00016
1. Embassy reported reftel that conditions affecting thousands of
Fijians have worsened.
2. Since January, above average rainfall and tidal surges have
caused floods on Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, particularly
affecting the towns of Ba, Nadi, Sigatoka, and Rakiraki in the
western region. On January 11, the Government of Fiji (GOF)
declared a state of emergency, deployed assessment teams to affected
areas, and provided evacuation assistance for stranded individuals.
By January 15, the worst flooding in memory had killed 11 people and
displaced several thousands. Currently nearly 8,500 residents (down
from nearly 10,000 two days ago) are housed in 110 shelters,
according to figures provided by Fiji's National Disaster Management
Office. Water levels of more than 10 feet have closed all major
roads and airports. Initial GOF assessments indicated significant
damage to infrastructure, agricultural production, and water
supplies. The GOF Meteorological Service has forecast continued
rain but from a downgraded tropical depression in the coming week.
3. On January 14, Ambassador McGann issued a disaster declaration.
In response, USAID/OFDA is providing $50,000 through the U.S.
Embassy to the Fiji Red Cross Society for the distribution of relief
commodities and implementation of emergency activities.
4. Embassy is determining whether a more robust USG response is
required to mitigate the imminent needs arising from this disaster.
The projected relative break in the weather should allow Embassy to
develop a response commensurate with the scope and scale of the
disaster. Emergency food rations are reportedly the most urgent
need and likely to remain so in the recovery phase. Embassy DAO has
asked PACOM to begin preliminary planning for a possible airlift
relief effort.
5. Embassy will meet with interim government officials, key donor
countries, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations on
January 16. We will advise soonest on the most appropriate USG
response.
McGann
AIDAC, MANILA FOR CONTROLLER, GENEVA FOR KYLOH
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM FJ
SUBJECT: FIJI FLOOD REQUIRING INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
REF: SUVA 00016
1. Embassy reported reftel that conditions affecting thousands of
Fijians have worsened.
2. Since January, above average rainfall and tidal surges have
caused floods on Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, particularly
affecting the towns of Ba, Nadi, Sigatoka, and Rakiraki in the
western region. On January 11, the Government of Fiji (GOF)
declared a state of emergency, deployed assessment teams to affected
areas, and provided evacuation assistance for stranded individuals.
By January 15, the worst flooding in memory had killed 11 people and
displaced several thousands. Currently nearly 8,500 residents (down
from nearly 10,000 two days ago) are housed in 110 shelters,
according to figures provided by Fiji's National Disaster Management
Office. Water levels of more than 10 feet have closed all major
roads and airports. Initial GOF assessments indicated significant
damage to infrastructure, agricultural production, and water
supplies. The GOF Meteorological Service has forecast continued
rain but from a downgraded tropical depression in the coming week.
3. On January 14, Ambassador McGann issued a disaster declaration.
In response, USAID/OFDA is providing $50,000 through the U.S.
Embassy to the Fiji Red Cross Society for the distribution of relief
commodities and implementation of emergency activities.
4. Embassy is determining whether a more robust USG response is
required to mitigate the imminent needs arising from this disaster.
The projected relative break in the weather should allow Embassy to
develop a response commensurate with the scope and scale of the
disaster. Emergency food rations are reportedly the most urgent
need and likely to remain so in the recovery phase. Embassy DAO has
asked PACOM to begin preliminary planning for a possible airlift
relief effort.
5. Embassy will meet with interim government officials, key donor
countries, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations on
January 16. We will advise soonest on the most appropriate USG
response.
McGann