By Rolynda Jonathan
Palau – Four people including a three-year old child lost their lives after Tropical Cyclone Evan’s havoc devastated the island nation a couple of days ago. A massive clean up is underway as Samoan officials continue to search for eight missing people including a number of children.
According to the Situation Report from the United Nations for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), two fishing boats are missing. One sunk with seven people on board while the whereabouts of the other remains a mystery. The Samoa Ministry of Police is continuing search efforts to locate all missing persons including the missing fishermen.
Water has become a critical issue after Evan’s havoc caused extensive damages to the country’s main water treatment plant. The storm has also caused widespread power outages and according to reports, the entire nation is still without electricity.
With assistance from the New Zealand Government, aerial surveillance and health assessments are underway to help the Samoan Government identify and consider areas for further action including international assistance, if needed.
The New Zealand Government and the AusAID have committed $50,000 for response and recovery efforts. Other international organizations have also pledged assistance including JICA, UNDP, and the Embassy of Japan.
Fiji Braces for Evan
Thousands of people are in evacuation centers and shelters in Fiji as they prepare for Cyclone Evan’s landfall.
At this hour, Cyclone Evan’s strong winds are devastating the country’s vegetation. Damages to property in the low-lying areas have been reported due to storm surges, which are projected to reach over 13 feet.
After passing over Samoa, Cyclone Evan has intensified from category 3 to a category 4 hurricane force as it reaches Fiji.
According to Halitesh Datt of Fiji Tv, Fijians are already experiencing the impacts of Cyclone Evan including water and power cuts in some parts of the country.
All business is on halt and civil service workers have been ordered to stay home except for those providing essential services.
The storm is expected to intensify later today before moving over to Fiji, where Nadi is predicted to feel the strongest winds.