WATER supply for the people of Taveuni has been affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) revealed that while the majority of the limited water infrastructure in southern Taveuni was destroyed, the existing water stores were either destroyed or contaminated by salt water or debris.

“Collection of rainwater, one of the primary sources of potable water in southern Taveuni, has been severely impeded by the destruction of guttering, and efforts to rebuild a sustainable water supply are reliant on ongoing shelter reconstruction efforts,” NDMO said in a report.

The report revealed majority of communities suffered 70-80 per cent damage to dwellings, ranging from the loss of roofs to complete destruction.

Assessments conducted by NDMO identified 339 shelters completely destroyed and 453 shelters partially damaged.

It has also been reported that while no power infrastructure exists on south of the island, majority of communities run off generators, many of which sustained partial damage while fuel stores were contaminated as a result of tidal surges. Agriculture on the island was also badly affected.

While livestock losses were less than 10 per cent, crop damage was considerable and would likely take 18 months to return to a pre-Severe TC Winston state.

The report also includes:

* Access — Ground lines of communications (GLOCs) were disrupted as bridges were washed away and roads were damaged and covered with debris, while multiple jetties were washed out and unserviceable.

* School — The majority of schools on Taveuni suffered comparable damage to those of resident dwellings. Additionally, more than 80 per cent of school supplies, ranging from books and stationery to tablets were destroyed.