FIJI (19 February)
The Islands were hit by Cyclone “Ami” on 13 January, leaving a number of casualties and causing major damage to housing, crops and infrastructure. The island of Vanua Levu, the second largest island of the Fiji Group, accounting for one-fourth of the archipelago’s population, was the worst affected, followed by other islands known as the Lau Group. The capital of the island, Labasa, was submerged by the flash floods brought about by the hurricane with heavy rains and winds. A state of disaster was declared and an appeal for international assistance was launched by the government on 23 January. About 53 000 people are reported to be affected. Emergency relief has been provided by the international community.