We want the public to be safe, says the Fiji Police Force Chief of Operations Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdul Khan.

Police officers spent most of Saturday and Sunday rescuing people, taking them to safety and visiting high risk areas as Cyclone Ana passed through Fiji bringing torrential rain.

“We were inundated with calls from people asking for the Police for help. Our divisional commanders were busy co-ordinating this,” Mr Khan said.

“We want to help the people and prevent the loss of lives.”

Labasa

Police were kept the busiest in Labasa as teams were deployed in helping cross flooded areas to safety.

The North was the worst hit by the floods.

“We had to take children and the elderly. Our officers risked their lives to save the lives of the members of the public,” Mr Khan said.

“We want to remind the public that warnings and advisories by the Government are important.”

Mr Khan said with no curfew in the daytime Police would also ensure criminal elements did not take advantage of the situation.

Members of the Fiji Police Force keeping an eye on storm surges on Galoa as Cyclone Ana hit the coastal lines on January 31, 2021. Photo: Leon Lord

Suva

Police officers rushed to a call in Tacirua to rescue a family in Khalsa Road after a tree fell onto their homes.

Police officers rescued the family, including a two-year-old girl and a nine-month-old. Police then successfully moved the family to Tacirua Primary School.

Police officers also evacuated informal settlements in Suva as water rose and entered homes in Vatuwaqa.

Members of the public help clear away portion of a shop in Navua after Cyclone Ana struck on January 31, 2021. Photo: Leon Lord

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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