THERE’S a lack of understanding in communities about whom to talk to when they have any problems they need to address during a disaster.

This was raised by the Fiji National Program Coordinator for the Women’s Resilience to Disaster Program with United Nations Women Seinimere Veitata at a workshop held in Labasa.

“It’s important for stakeholders to provide the support that is available within civil society organisations,” she said.

Ms Veitata said there was a serious need for all stakeholders to work together to address the issue.

“They can also provide pathways to communities to get the assistance they need.”

When asked about the hardship some officials face because of the language barrier, she said there were proper channels all stakeholders need to follow before visiting communities.

“There is a development link in the community, they not only help with the dissemination of information, but also in its translation.”

Despite this, she said, everyone needed to work together to address issues faced by communities during and post-disaster.