Fiji: Cyclone Gavin [DHA-03: 09-Mar-97]
Fiji: Cyclone Gavin [DHA-03: 09-Mar-97]
United Nations
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Fiji - Cyclone Gavin
DHA Situation Report No. 3
9 March 1997
1. Tropical cyclone Gavin continues to move away to the south of the Fiji
group, with latest reports placing the centre at about 200 km south of
Vitu Levu.
2. Following the meeting of the National Disaster Management Committee
(NDMC) on 9 March, the DHA South Pacific Programme Office (SPPO) provides
the following update on the situation.
3. To date, four deaths have been reported. Search and rescue operations
at sea are continuing with assistance of the New Zealand Orion
reconnaissance aircraft.
4. Roads: Most major roads are now open although approaches to bridges
have suffered some damage caused by floodwaters. The Kings Highway on the
eastern side of Viti Levu is still impassable at several low-lying bridges
and crossings.
5. Airports: Nadi and Nausori international airports are operational.
No damage has occurred to navigation equipment, structures and runway
systems. Airstrips on smaller islands are gradually being opened.
6. River systems: None of the major river systems are expected to reach
full flood levels. The Reiwa river is just 0.5 m below its banks and is
expected to spill into low lying areas around Nausori Town.
7. Essential services: Power will be fully restored to Suva and other
Eastern Division areas by tomorrow. Full services to the Western Division,
in particular Nadi, Lautoka and Ba, will not be possible for at least 2 to
3 weeks, owing to major damage to the main high voltage power lines
between Nadi and Lautoka. Emergency power supply has been restored to the
Nadi Airport and most of the major resorts and hotels in and around Nadi.
In the Northern Division, Labasa has received extensive damage to power
supplies with 80 per cent of services cut. Priority for repairs is
allocated to essential services such as hospitals and pumping stations.
8. Water supply has been significantly affected in the Western Division.
Many villages suffered major damage to pipes and pumps. Repair teams are
being deployed as floodwaters recede.
9. Telecommunications: Services are now being restored to most areas.
Telecommunications with the Yasawas and Mamanucas is expected to be
restored by this afternoon, thus allowing officials to obtain information
on the extent of damage. It will take at least 2 - 3 weeks, and possibly
longer in some rural areas, before all services are restored.
10. Damage assessment teams continue their work on the main islands.
Weather and sea conditions hamper the deployment of assessment teams to
the outer islands. Initial reports indicate that storm surge was a major
cause of damage to coastal villages and crops and that large numbers of
traditional houses have been severely damaged or destroyed.
11. 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. To date, no request for
international assistance has been received.
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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