Storm Surges, Heavy Rain and Strong Wind: Impacts of Tropical Cyclone Winston in Fiji—Focus on Health

Abstract

On February 20th, 2016, tropical cyclone (TC) Winston, a category 5 cyclone, hit Fiji, affecting more than half the population of the country and leaving behind damages worth more than 30% of the GDP of the country. The health sector alone suffered damages and losses amounting to FJ$13.9 million, corresponding to the damage or destruction of 88 health facilities out of 214. One characteristic of this cyclone was the importance of damages caused by the storm surge associated with the cyclone in some areas. This is extremely worrying in a changing climate and more specifically the context of sea-level rise, and studies indicate that climate change has an influence on cyclones and storm surges although it is still difficult to precisely quantify it. TC Winston had important impacts on health and on the health system in Fiji. A total of 44 casualties were recorded, and more than 120 people were injured, including 45 who were hospitalized. Cases of diarrheal diseases, leptospirosis and typhoid were observed and monitored, but actions were taken and there was no large outbreak after the cyclone. This chapter provides general information about TC Winston, then presents the specific impacts of the storm surge associated with TC Winston and discusses the influence of climate change, and the last sections details and discusses the impacts of TC Winston on health in Fiji.