Review of the Fiji Shelter Cluster in Response to Tropical Cyclone Evan

TC Evan was a category 4 cyclone that passed over the Northern and Western Divisions of Fiji on 16 and 17 December 2012, with winds gusting over 230 kph. TC Evan caused serious damage to housing, key economic and tourist infrastructure, wide power outages and disruptions to water supply. Flooding was recorded across the country. 

In response, the GoF activated the Fiji National Clusters for the first time in late December 2012. Shelter is one of eight clusters. The lead Agency for the shelter cluster is the Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment. The co-lead of the shelter cluster is the IFRC. The shelter cluster has a listed membership of 19 key partner Agencies including Government Ministries, NGO’s, donors, civil society organizations and professional associations. The GoF took the early decision that they would assume responsibility for shelter responses in the formal settlements (those characterised by having legal title), and the NGO’s etc. of the shelter cluster would be responsible for the informal settlements (those without legal title).