A two-year-old child with pre-existing medical conditions passed away during Tropical Cyclone Vaianu earlier this month.
This has been confirmed by Minister for National Disaster Risk Management Mosese Bulitavu while responding to a question by Government MP Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure on assistance provided following TC Vaianu.
While extending his heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time, Bulitavu says no disaster statistics can fully capture the pain of such a loss, and their thoughts and prayers remain with the family.
He further says immediately after the TC Vaianu exited the Fiji waters on the evening of 8th April, government agencies moved swiftly into the relief and recovery phase.
Bulitavu says 1,916 families across the Western and Central Division received food assistance through government and humanitarian partners.
The Minister says in the agriculture sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways, and Sugar Industry identified losses totaling approximately $1.5 million and in response, the government rolled out a $5 million recovery package to support affected farmers in replanting crops, restoring production, and rebuilding livelihoods.
He says through the public health measures, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services conducted sanitation and disinfection of flood-affected homes and communities, while also carrying out public awareness on water safety, hygiene, and disease prevention.
Bulitavu says the fact that both Tropical Cyclones Urmil and Vaianu occurred towards the later end of the cyclone season is a clear indication that historically weather patterns can no longer be relied upon.
He says the Government remains firmly committed to strengthening disaster reduction systems, resilient housing, environmental protection, climate adaptation programs, and community preparedness.
The Minister adds the Government will continue to support those families and communities that still require assistance, and they remain committed to building a safer, stronger, and more climate-resilient Fiji for the future generations.
