More than 120 families are taking shelter at the evacuation centre at Andrews Primary School in Nadi as of yesterday.

This included those from nearby settlements such as Wechikuma, Nawaka Levu and Korociri.

Wechikuma Settlement spokesperson Aseri Namua, 42, said about 529 people had taken shelter at the school since Monday morning.

“We all have been here since Monday morning and everything seems to be alright as we brace for a series of disasters,” he said.

“We have learned a lot from previous disasters and we have to come to these centres to keep ourselves safe.

“We had our homes underwater and now the water has receded but the dirt is still there. We expect the weather to clear then we could return to our normal lives.”

He said they were prepared but their length of stay at the centre would be determined by their need for rations to feed their families.

Arun Kumar, 49, and his family of five have also been staying at the centre since Monday.

“Our family have been taking shelter in this school since the flooding started, we just fled when the warning came,” Mr Kumar said.

“We just have to stay together as a family and hope the weather impasse clears quickly.”

Meanwhile there are 39 evacuation centres in Nadi alone, an increase of 16 since Tuesday afternoon.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj