Pacific response to disaster displacement urban case study: Ba Town, Fiji

This paper draws upon recent research in Ba Town to examine the drivers, patterns, and impacts of internal displacement linked with disasters. Disasters have triggered around 153,000 displacements in Fiji, since IDMC started systematically collecting data in 2008. Rapid urbanisation, particularly the growth of informal settlements, is increasing exposure and vulnerability to hazards.

Ba Town, situated on the banks of a river, has experienced recurrent flooding, and also faces additional climate risks associated with riverbank erosion and landslides. In the face of these challenges, the government of Fiji is working to reduce the risk of displacement and support the relocation of communities affected by climate change and disasters. To support these efforts to better prevent and respond to disaster displacement, this paper draws upon recent research in Ba Town to examine the drivers, patterns, and impacts of internal displacement linked with disasters.