Police have started assisting people with evacuations and personnel are on standby said Fiji Police Force director operations Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdul Khan.

In the southern division, Police were on standby at evacuation centres at the Jokhan Primary School, Vishnu Deo Primary School and Vashist Muni Memorial Primary School.

With Tropical Cyclone Yasa, looming over Fiji, Mr Khan said the police had been prepared in advance and were ready to jump into action.

“We have had a learning curve with TC Winston so we can say we are ready to deploy when needed, We have vehicles on standby in all divisions,” he said.

“This is to deploy personnel and to assist with evacuation when and where needed.”

Mr Khan said the police were working closely with the National Disaster Management Office. He said with evacuation centres, the police would be deploying female and male officers.

He said there have been reports of thefts, alleged sexual harassments and assault at centres. He said they wanted the public to be safe.

Mr Khan said in some areas police were already helping with evacuation.

The curfew remains and Mr Khan hoped that people realise that the restrictions have been put in by the Government for a reason.

“We will also have checkpoints and patrol areas, We know that there are elements who use the cover of the storm to carry out illegal activities. We are prepared for that as well,” Mr Khan.

He said the general public has to stay vigilant and ensure that their children are always indoors during the storm.

He said this year already has had its fair share of drowning and the police did not want anymore.

The public have been advised to call the Police hotlines and command centre numbers should they need any help.