Emergency Preparedness and Response
Humanitarian response is an essential part of our overall work. Our mandate to respond to emergencies, are clearly stated in the Core Commitments for Children in Emergencies (CCCs). Looking Back UNICEF responded to a number of emergencies in 2009. Of most significance were the floods in Fiji in January and the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in September which affected Samoa and Tonga. During the floods in Fiji in January, some level of coordination was achieved between the UN, particularly through UNICEF heading a multi-agency rapid assessment. Up to 10,000 people were displaced for several weeks. UNICEF was able to mobilize funds from NZAID and AusAID which was used to replenish emergency prepositioned supplies. UNICEF also mobilized funds from ECHO for the restoration of rural water supplies. During the same period UNICEF responded to a flooding emergency in the Solomon Islands. No other UN agencies engaged with this response. The second major emergency was the Samoa and Tonga earthquake and tsunami in late September. Clusters were launched with UNICEF coordinating the WASH and Education Clusters. UNICEF developed and implemented a rapid response plan for an 8-10 week period and is currently winding down its support for the response while continuing to engage with the Early Recovery Cluster. A number of “minor” emergencies arose during 2010 including two volcanic eruptions in Vanuatu. UNICEF supported the restoration of damaged water supply systems in these areas. The 2009/2010 Cyclone Season has commenced with a damaging Category 2 cyclone hitting Fiji in December. With the El Nino in effect, we expect further and increased cyclone activity during the current season. In 2009, UNICEF conducted an assessment of government emergency preparedness and response plans and capacities, in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Vanuatu. The report incorporating partner feedback, provided broad insights and recommendations that provided a collective platform to advance emergency preparedness and response planning and capacities for Pacific Island children. Moving Forward Provide health, nutrition and WASH humanitarian assistance according to UNICEF Core Commitments for Children (CCCs) and undertake rehabilitation and reconstruction of WASH installations in areas affected by declared emergencies.
Twin Cyclone Disaster in Pacific Archives |
