An Initial Damage Assessment to further improve the strategic disaster response and short-term assistance, following natural disasters, was held in ‘Eua from 15-18 November.  

The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) coordinated and conducted the assessment. 

MEIDECC stated that this initial damage assessment is ideally conducted within the first 72 hrs after disasters in order to quickly identify initial damages caused by a disaster and resulting essential life-saving needs of the affected communities.

“It is a crucial first line of assessment in order to further improve the strategic disaster response and short-term assistance priorities of the government.

“Through determining the immediate lifesaving responses, such as search and rescue, and relief items distribution, in order to save lives, reduce suffering and identify immediate short-term needs.

‘Eua is the second training mission. Further training will be held in Vava’u and Ha’apai in November.

In collaboration between NEMO and its stakeholders – the National Planning Division and the Local Government Division of the Prime Minister’s Office were also part of the team, to raise better awareness on their roles in disaster response and recovery.

The objectives of the training includes;

• Enhancing knowledge and ownership of responsibilities amongst wider disaster response partners and stakeholders on the IDA processes
• Build a cadre of trained enumerators that would facilitate the IDA processes and link with the National Emergency Operation Centre.
• Identify areas to strengthen governance of Village and District Emergency Management Plans
• Strengthen Inter-Agency Cluster coordination during emergency response and IDA processes

The team to ‘Eua was led by NEMO’s Acting Director, Moana Fakava-Kioa and supported by UNDP consultant to NEMO, Ashley Fua, Viliami Tongamana, Lazarus Vaipulu and Malakai Vainikolo from NEMO, Kiufutuna Tatafu and Mateaki Lakai from National Planning.

The team in 'Eua included, ‘Oto’ota Tatafu, 'Eua's Acting Government Representative, MEIDECC ‘Eua Officer in Charge, Hoifua ‘Aholahi.