Disaster Recovery for 11,000 people in Fiji

In the months following the March 2012 floods, the Western Division of Viti Levu has taken on the huge task of recovery and restoration. With many homes destroyed and settlements heavily damaged, thousands were left with very little. Health concerns spread through-out the region as some incidents of water borne disease outbreaks in flooded areas were reported and water catchments and supplies were contaminated by the flood waters.

Today, though much of the region has recovered, many people are still struggling under heavy losses to personal property and assets. Homes have been rebuilt in some areas, though for many people there is an ongoing struggle ahead. With the cyclone season approaching, in the Nadi basin and other low lying regions of the western division, there are obvious concerns about the growing vulnerabilities of these areas.

After our participation in the distribution of aid in partnership with the Red Cross in April, GVI has continued to have a close relationship with the Red Cross and regional disaster preparedness operations. In the aftermath of the March Floods, GVI Fiji ‘s Country Director, Dan, joined the Red Cross as a local volunteer and a few months later was nominated and elected an Executive of Nadi Red Cross. GVI has since participated in a week long, Disaster Risk Reduction Trainer of Trainers course and have helped to facilitate Disaster Risk Reduction workshops in Flood affected villages of the Nadi Basin.

Our continuing involvement and support of the Nadi Region and the Red Cross was made possible through the compassionate donations that enabled GVI to fund Disaster Relief operations in April. Thank you for this much needed support!