Fiji braced flooding with tropical cyclone Daphne early April 2012 which was one of the most terrifying experiences in Fiji’s history. While Fiji was not expecting a direct hit from the cyclone, near gale-force winds and heavy rainfall exacerbated the flooding brought the country to a standstill. A state of emergency was declared, with flash floods claiming the lives of seven people and forcing more than 14,000 to seek refuge in 91 evacuation centers. The damage to water supply alone is estimated to be more than 10 million. Over 2000 tourists were stranded in the country as flights were also cancelled. Roads to the international airport in Nadi cut off and officials had asked international airlines to stop flying tourists into the country. The Fiji Police combined with the Fiji Military Forces helped the people with the cleaning up of the towns.
The areas that were adversely affected during the flooding in April 2012 were mainly the Western Division of Viti Levu, Fiji along the following paths;
- Rakiraki
- Ba
- Lautoka
- Nadi
- Sigatoka
An initiative introduced by Nicky Prasad to make donations by providing food parcels to affected areas, the Office Manager – Mr. Nathan Kirk agreed for the company to match a dollar for dollar to the amount raised through charity. In partnership with the religious organization Sanatan Sabha Fiji, Kramer Ausenco (Fiji) Ltd office donation totaled $365.00 and collectively we were able to put together 19 cartons of food parcels which were delivered to affected areas.