Empower Pacific deploys two teams for mental health psycho-social support in the West

Empower Pacific has deployed two teams in the Western Division, consisting of qualified senior counsellors, social workers and trained psychological first aid volunteers, who are delivering Women and Girls Dignity Packs, Infant/Baby Packs and vital counselling services to impaacted families.

Empower Pacific Chief Executive Officer Patrick Salesh Morgam says they are stepping up to assist families impacted by the devastating floods in the Western Division, providing critical Psychological First Aid, Trauma Counseling and essential supplies to those in the evacuation centres.

Morgam says the heavy rains have left countless families vulnerable, and the organization is working tirelessly to address both the immediate and long-term impacts of the disaster.

Photo:Empower Pacific

He says Empower Pacific is a non-governmental organization known for its psychosocial support during natural disasters.

He says they had a meeting with the Divisional Commissioner Western Apolosi Lewaqai yesterday to put together a plan for a coordinated and informed approach to collectively and efficiently assist those affected by the recent flood brought about by the heavy rain in the Western Division, specifically those in evacuation centres.

Morgam says they also assist individuals in evacuation centres by sharing information on being safe and identifying any issues related to increased violence and risks to vulnerable children.

He adds Empower Pacific has certified disaster response crisis staff and volunteers on standby in the Central and Northern Divisions, ready to assist women, children, the LGBTQI community, and people with disabilities after a crisis.

Photo:Empower Pacific

Empower Pacific is also urging the public to adhere to safety precautions and warnings issued by the National Disaster Risk Management Office and the Ministry of Health.

Morgan adds that boiling drinking water and practising basic sanitation and hygiene is vital to prevent waterborne diseases.

Meanwhile, seventy-nine families and 345 people are taking shelter at eight evacuation centres that are open in the Western Division.

180 people are taking shelter at Andrews Primary School in Nadi, 35 people are in Saioni Church, and 14 people are at the Korovuto College in Nadi.

69 people are at the Nadele Community Hall in Nadroga, 22 at the Nasolo Community Hall in Ba, seven people are at the VOU Dance Group Office, and nine evacuees at the Lovu Sangam in Lautoka.