The Rakiraki Town Council and business owners were sighted cleaning the town on Friday.

Cyclone Yasa fortunately spared Rakiraki as the only damages was from flooding, fallen branches and powerlines.

Council chief executive officer, Sailosi Sawana, said both Tavua and Rakiraki were fortunate that there were no severe damage.

“Rakiraki Market was reported to have minimal damage with no flooded water inside the market vicinity,” said Mr Sawana.

“There was damage to the air ventilation fan in the women’s toilet but nothing major.”

Both towns resumed as normal yesterday.

Rakiraki Town after Cyclone Yasa on December 19, 2020. Photo: Susana Hirst-Tuilau

“I would like to thank the public for adhering to the weather warning. It makes life easy for everyone,” he said.

Business owner and Rakiraki chamber of commerce president, George Shiu Raj, confirmed more than 10 businesses were affected by the flood but all minor damage.

Meanwhile, Mr Raj who owns eight buildings in Rakiraki Town said he received more than $3000 worth of damage.

Also, with his export business he had to invest $20,000 to get a generator for his warehouse to be able to run his freezers.

“I know Energy Fiji Limited is working hard to restore power. But my export goods like dalo and cassava which are in the freezers cannot wait until they fix the power,” he said.

“Luckily I did not have to travel far to find a secondhand generator, although it cost me $20,000, I have no other choice.”

He thanked the Government for its efforts during the cyclone and urged the Government to find ways to help the people of Vanua Levu.

“The farmers from Vanua Levu harvested the most cane this year and they have helped keep our economy afloat. I plea that the Government find ways to assist them as urgently as possible,” he said.

Feedback:  susana.tuilau@fijisun.com.fj