Less than 36 hours after Cyclone Winston devastated Fiji, UNICEF Pacific has begun assisting those most affected, in partnership with the Government of Fiji. UNICEF today began to distribute pre-positioned emergency supplies in Fiji, with a focus on distribution to worst-affected communities.
UNICEF Pacific Deputy Representative Isabelle Austin said “In the immediate aftermath of a disaster such as a cyclone, UNICEF’s first priority is to ensure the protection and wellbeing of the most vulnerable, including children, pregnant women and new mothers. Our thoughts are with those most-affected communities, many of whom have lost everything and are now beginning to pick up the pieces. UNICEF is working around the clock preparing supplies for transport and distribution through the Government of Fiji, which is providing extremely strong leadership on this response. UNICEF will also continue to assist the Government with rapid assessments that will take some time to fully complete given the incredible scale and complexity of this disaster.
“UNICEF is committed to helping children and families as they begin to rebuild their lives following the most severe cyclone in Fiji’s history. UNICEF will actively support the Fiji Government to lead a rapid and coordinated response, with a focus on water and sanitation, education, nutrition and child protection. We will continue to work closely with Government and other partners to ensure a coordinated response that will support and complement the Government’s efforts,” added Ms. Austin.