Fiji: Cyclone Gavin [DHA-02: 08-Mar-97]
Fiji: Cyclone Gavin [DHA-02: 08-Mar-97]
United Nations
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Fiji - Cyclone Gavin
DHA Situation Report No. 2
8 March 1997
1. Tropical cyclone Gavin has now cleared the Fiji Island group and is
moving South.
2. According to the DHA South Pacific Programme Office (SPPO) situated in
Suva, Fiji, only preliminary information on damage caused by the cyclone
is available at this stage due to interruption of telecommunications with
the Western Division (Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and the Yasawa Islands) and
adverse weather conditions making aerial reconnaissance difficult. Suva
escaped the main destructive winds but experienced power failures,
flooding, trees uprooted and roofs being damaged in some areas.
3. The Fiji National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC), at its meeting
on 8 March, reported that Divisional and District Assessment Teams are now
in the process of conducting damage assessment in accessible areas.
Surveillance flights are expected to commence on 9 March and it is
anticipated that a helicopter will take an assessment team to Yasawa and
Mamanuca's at first light. The Prime Minister and Divisional Commissioner
will accompany this flight. A New Zealand Orion Aircraft is being
deployed to assist in search operations for two missing fishing vessels
and other surveillance work in support of the NDMC.
4. Members of the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination
(UNDAC) Team in the Pacific region have been put on stand-by should there
be a need for further support of the NDMC in conducting the damage
assessment and coordinating disaster assistance.
5. More detailed information about damage caused by the cyclone is
expected to be available by the meeting of the NDMC on Sunday 9 March.
6. DHA Geneva remains in close contact with SPPO and the DHA/UNDP
Resident Representative in Suva, and will revert with further situation
reports as more information becomes available on damage and eventual
requirements for international assistance. At this stage, no appeal for
international assistance has been launched by the Government of Fiji.
Telephone No. +41-22-917.12.34
In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917.20.10
Desk Officer: Ms. S. Metzner-Strack, RCB Asia/Pacific Desk
Tel.+41-22-917.21.44/32.00
Press to contact: Ms. M. Moulin-Acevedo
Direct Tel. + 41-22-917.28.56
Telex: 414242 DHA CH
Fax: + 41-22-917.00.23
E-mail: DHAGVA@DHA.UNICC.ORG
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