THE total damage bill for Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston is expected to be finalised three weeks from now.

This followed the beginning of post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA) on Tuesday allowing the different sectors of Government, supported by development partners and donors, to collate and verify the damage.

The assessment, which will be held over three weeks, is also to identify Government’s post-disaster needs. Total cost of damage so far is estimated at $650million.

Permanent secretary for National Disaster Management Meleti Bainimarama said the assessment process would run concurrently with humanitarian response.

He said the assessment would provide the necessary information for Government, development partners and all stakeholders to respond effectively to short, medium and long-term needs and priorities in terms of recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

Mr Bainimarama also acknowledged the mobilisation of experts for the Severe TC Winston assessment and has urged government officials to learn as much as they could.

“We won’t restrict ourselves to seek advice on PDNA issues only, but rather on the respective areas of expertise and how it can inform Government’s developmental agenda in the years to come,” Mr Bainimarama said.

Additionally, he said, the assessment strives to provide the necessary strategy to address the needs of those affected by Severe TC Winston in a more targeted approach to ensure that limited resources available were used effectively.

The post-disaster needs assessment is an initiative of the World Bank used all over the world.