$5m emergency fund activated as TC Vaianu recovery begins: PM

The Government has released $5 million from the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDMO) Contingency Fund to support immediate relief efforts post Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, in an address to the nation tonight, said the funding would be used to support urgent response measures while full damage assessments are conducted over the next 48 hours.

He said further assistance would be determined once assessments are completed and reports consolidated.

The Prime Minister confirmed that 46 evacuation centres have been activated nationwide, as severe flooding continues to affect Nadi, Lautoka and parts of the Central Division.

Schools and non‑essential civil servants have been advised to remain at home, although he noted with relief that no fatalities have been reported.

Mr Rabuka said Government had moved quickly to respond to the developing situation, with enforcement and public safety measures supported by the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

"Initial damage assessments have already commenced. Teams are deployed on the ground to assess impacts and coordinate response efforts,” he said, adding that work is also underway to restore essential services, including utilities disrupted by the cyclone.

As TC Vaianu moves away from Fiji waters tonight, attention is now shifting to recovery and rehabilitation.

Mr Rabuka said sectoral rehabilitation will begin immediately, with the Ministry of Agriculture leading initial assessments in affected farming areas, as concerns grow over potential impacts on livelihoods and food supply.

He said damage assessments are ongoing and more detailed information will be made available once reports from affected areas are consolidated.

Schools will remain closed tomorrow in the Central, Western and Eastern Divisions, while Northern Division schools will resume classes.

Public health teams have also been placed on alert to manage the risk of waterborne diseases following flooding.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the support of humanitarian and donor partners, who remain on standby to assist if needed.

He clarified that while schools have been closed for safety reasons, University of the South Pacific operations remain open and examinations will proceed as scheduled.