Govt deploys team to Qamea Island following landslides caused by Tropical Depression

The government has deployed a multi‑sectoral team to the island of Qamea following the landslides caused by recent Tropical Depression.

The team led by the National Disaster Management Office will provide early recovery support in the various sectors, conduct detailed damage assessments, clear debris and provide assistance with sanitation and hygiene needs.

National Disaster Management, Permanent Secretary, Meleti Bainimarama says the deployment of these multiple agencies follows initial assessments by the Office of the Commissioner Northern.

He says last week they sent machines and equipment that would be essential in clearing away debris caused by the landslide.

Given the damages to health and education facilities on the island, Bainimarama adds that the priorities of the team include setting up of temporary medical and education facilities.

He says they want to ensure that the provision of basic services such as healthcare and schools are not disrupted.

Bainimarama has confirmed that they will establish a temporary medical clinic and temporary classrooms as they roll out long‑term recovery support.

The team consists of officers from the following agencies: NDMO; Office of the Commissioner Northern; Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs; Department of Mineral Resources; Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport; Ministry of Lands; i-Taukei Land Trust Board; Ministry of Women, Children, & Poverty Alleviation; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Agriculture; Department of Energy; Water Authority of Fiji; RFMF Engineers Corps; and NGOs.

The team will be on Qamea for two weeks.