Fiji still in need of humanitarian aid after Cyclone Winston

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that significant humanitarian needs remained in Fiji two months after Cyclone Winston, a UN spokesman said here Wednesday.

"Urgent needs include the distribution of agricultural supplies, construction of shelter and toilets, the implementation of mosquito control and surveillance measures to stop the spread of disease, and the provision of psycho-social support," Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing.

The Fiji Flash Appeal, requesting 39 million U.S. dollars, is currently only 38 percent funded, he said.

"As planning begins for longer-term recovery and reconstruction, it is important to emphasize that humanitarian efforts must continue, particularly in locations hit by both the cyclone and subsequent flooding," said UN Humanitarian Coordinator Osnat Lubrani.

Urgent needs include the distribution of agricultural supplies, construction of shelter and toilets, mosquito control and surveillance measures to stop the spread of disease, and the provision of psychosocial support, she said.

The recent flooding has eroded some of the gains made through early humanitarian action with many of the crops re-planted post-Winston now washed away.

The cyclone and a massive storm surge left a path of destruction across Fiji on Feb. 20-21, leaving more than 40 people dead, damaging or destroying more than 31,000 houses and wiping out life-sustaining food crops.

Flooding over recent weeks has compounded the suffering of many who are still living without a permanent roof over their heads.