IOM Emergency Shelter Relief Reaches Remote Fijian Communities
Fiji - IOM teams in Fiji are reaching remote communities hardest-hit by last month’s massive typhoon. Shelter was identified as a priority sector by the Fijian Government and partners in the post-cyclone recovery efforts. IOM responded by bringing in over 80 metric tonnes of shelter materials and other essential items, which are now being delivered.
“We need to make sure that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it the most. In order to do that, we will continue to actively engage the communities and allow the beneficiaries to drive their own recovery process,” said an IOM Surge Team member.
IOM and its partners, Care Australia, Live & Learn, and Habitat for Humanity are now preparing to distribute the remainder of the shelter supplies over the coming weeks. IOM shelter kits, supplemented by supplies from partners, will include tarpaulins, hammers, nails, ropes, and WASH items, as well as large LED lights and multifunctional tents for communal area use.
“We will need to build a strong evacuation centre that can absorb the entire community during such times. For now we are just grateful to receive (IOM and partners’) support. At least we can start to put our lives back together,” said Kali, an elder in Delaikuku village, western Fiji.
A total of 28,000 households (131,000 people) need emergency shelter assistance in Fiji. Of those, 11,000 families whose houses were destroyed need early recovery and transitional assistance – including shelter kits and tool kits – as well as training, cash assistance and disaster risk reduction interventions.
On 4 March, the Fijian Government and the United Nations jointly launched a USD 38.6 million emergency humanitarian appeal to cover life-saving projects after Cyclone Winston. A total of USD 8 million has been contributed towards the Appeal through the Central Emergency Relief Fund, part of which has funded this delivery. (See the appeal here)
For further information please contact Arieta Moceica at IOM Fiji. Tel: +679 9076 071, Email: amoceica@iom.int