Only weeks after category 5 Cyclone Winston ripped through the country, Fiji is once again facing extreme weather conditions due to the presence of three tropical disturbances, one of which has formed into rapidly intensifying Cyclone Zena.
The tropical disturbances have caused widespread flooding across large parts of the country, including areas already badly affected by Cyclone Winston.
Many rivers have broken their banks; high tides linked to the new moon are also of concern.
Cyclone Zena is predicted to pass through Fiji at Category 2 strength in the next 24 hours, travelling along the southern coast of Viti Levu, home to more than 70 percent of Fiji’s population.
Winds have already increased and wind gusts of up to 120kph are expected. Viti Levu’s southern coast includes Fiji’s densely populated capital Suva.
UNICEF Pacific communications specialist Alice Clements, a New Zealander, said from her Suva base: “The flooding and rains associated with these three tropical disturbances could not come at a worse time for children and families in Fiji.
“These are the same families that were directly affected by Cyclone Winston just over a month ago. Far too many are sheltering under tarpaulins, pieces of salvaged corrugated iron, in tents or again in evacuation centres.”
Many people are still in evacuation centres following Cyclone Winston, numbers are once again increasing due to the latest flooding.
UNICEF Pacific’s representative Karen Allen said: “This poses significant threats to the health and wellbeing of children and families.
“Flooding and displacement like this exponentially increases the risk of all types of disease spreading quickly, especially diarrhoea, skin disease, eye infections and respiratory infections. The risk from diseases spread by mosquitos such as dengue and zika virus also increase.
“At a time like this we are also deeply concerned about the emotional wellbeing of children and families who have already been living under conditions of extreme stress since Cyclone Winston. For families who have already lost everything this will be a huge setback to their recovery efforts.”
UNICEF is monitoring the situation and will be joining rapid assessment missions to affected areas. The cyclone season has been especially unpredictable in the South Pacific, due to the effects of El Niño.
