Fiji: TC Vaianu Response – DREF Operation (MDRFJ009)

Country: Fiji Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date of event 07-04-2026 What happened, where and when? Tropical Cyclone Vaianu affected Fiji between 7 and 8 April 2026, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding. The system primarily impacted the Western Division, parts of Viti Levu, and maritime island communities, resulting in disruption to essential services, infrastructure, and access to communities. According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) Situation Report No. 07 dated 08 April 2026, a total of 2, 182 people (506 households) are currently displaced across 60 evacuation centers nationwide. The majority are located in the Western Division (1, 796 people), followed by the Eastern (292 people), Northern (74 people), and Central Divisions (20 people). One fatality has been reported in Ra District, with no additional injuries or missing persons confirmed at this stage. These figures reflected the number of people accommodated in evacuation centers and those displaced from their homes. Although the NDMO has identified displaced individuals, it does not provide a clear estimate of the total number of people affected; therefore, the Fiji Red Cross Society has approximated that 10%of the population across the Western, Central, and Eastern Divisions has been impacted, representing an estimated 75, 000 people affected, including those displaced. Flooding, submerged crossings, fallen trees, and infrastructure damage have restricted access in several areas, including parts of Naitasiri and other rural locations. Disruptions have also been reported across electricity, water supply, transport, and telecommunications, particularly in Ra, Ba, Nadroga, and Tavua. While Fiji has a simplified Early Action Protocol (sEAP) for tropical cyclones, it was not activated for this event as the required triggers were not fully met. As a result, the current intervention is being implemented as a response operation under DREF.

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