The safety and care of our children is paramount especially as we are in the cyclone season, says the Minister for Children, Lynda Tabuya.

Her comments follow the tragic death of a six-year-old boy in Togomasi, Nadi who was trapped in a flooded culvert while trying to cross with his 60-year-old grandmother.

“My deepest condolences goes to the family of Aahil Hussein, who are mourning this incalculable loss,” she said.

“My condolences also goes to the family of Mr Raihan Raizal Ali, who also lost his life to drowning last week.”

Ms Tabuya said parents and guardians must take care of their children given that torrential rain and flooding were expected.

“We must be particularly vigilant in ensuring that our children are not swimming or playing in flood prone areas,” she said.

“We must work in solidarity in creating a safe and enabling environment for our children so that we avoid such tragedies and our children live to their full potential.”

The Fiji Meteorological Service (Fiji Met) said the current heavy rain and flood warnings would continue to affect the country until Thursday.

With saturated soil caused by the heavy downpour in the last couple of days, Fiji Met has warned of landslide risks.

Story By: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj