Canada provides assistance after two cyclones wreak havoc on Fiji islands

Canada is providing assistance to the Fiji islands after two cyclones struck in one week in April 2018 and forced more than 14,000 people to seek shelter in evacuation centres.

At least eight people died during the two storms, Cyclone Josie (Category 1) and Cyclone Keni (Category 3), which caused extensive flooding, numerous landslides and major road damage across the country.

The flooding and high winds damaged more than 1,500 homes and destroyed large tracks of farmland and crops. The destruction of crops means at least 4,000 households will need food assistance.

With funding from the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund, managed by the Humanitarian Coalition, Oxfam Canada will help survivors recover and prevent the spread of disease. Oxfam will rebuild and rehabilitate sanitation facilities and provide emergency livelihood support to the most vulnerable people, particularly women and children.

Oxfam will use $230,000 from the Fund to build and repair emergency latrines, support sanitation and hygiene efforts and distribute vouchers so families can address their own needs. Oxfam’s response will focus on gender-inclusive interventions and target the most vulnerable households.

The Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund is a joint mechanism financed by Global Affairs Canada, the Humanitarian Coalition and its member agencies.