Wellington, 17 March 2010. – As many as 130,000 people may have been affected by Cyclone Tomas in Fiji, and 5,000 impacted by Cyclone Ului in the Solomon Islands. Both cyclones struck simultaneously on 15 March. A rapid assessment of affected areas and providing support to evacuation centres are the most urgent priorities in Fiji and the Solomon Islands, according to the national Disaster Management Agency (DISMAC) in Fiji and the National Emergency Management Office in the Solomon Islands.

UNICEF Pacific is working to conduct a rapid assessment of affected areas, and is equipped with pre-designed rapid assessment tools and supplies ready for dispatch. Supplies include 102,000 oral rehydration salts, 305,000 water purification tablets, 10,184 collapsible water containers, 290 tarpaulins, 100 tents and 51 health kits in Fiji and Honiara. UNICEF is also in contact with Fijian and Solomon Island governments to determine how best to aid relief efforts.

Cyclone Tomas has been buffeting the Fiji Islands since 15 March. A State of Natural Disaster has been declared by the Government of Fiji today, in light of the extensive damage to schools, health facilities, police posts and homes and the continued flooding. 194 evacuation centres have been established across the country, with 12,586 people currently sheltering in these. Communication with Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Cikobia and many smaller islands have been cut as telecommunication providers have experienced damages to their stations and installations. Aerial surveys will be conducted as soon as the weather permits.

Cyclone Ului formed in Northern Vanuatu last week and has tracked west, affecting the southern and western provinces of the Solomon Islands. There has been significant damage to housing and some roads remain blocked due to debris. There are no reports of fatalities or injuries from the cyclone at present. Access to affected areas remains difficult, and a rapid assessment will be conducted once the current cyclone warning which is in place for much of the country has been cancelled.

UNICEF Pacific Deputy Executive, Tim Sutton, says that it is difficult to measure the scale of the disaster yet.

“There have been initial reports of severe damage around Vanua Levu, but we have not had contact with Cikobia. UNICEF has supplies and staff immediately available, and we are ready to assist where needed.”

UNICEF Pacific has assisted child-centred projects in the Pacific since the 1950s.

People can donate to UNICEF NZ’s Emergency Fund on 0800 800 194 or online