Agriculture sector in the Western Division hit hard by TC Vaianu

The agriculture sector in the Western Division has suffered significant damage following Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.

Response teams are continuing assessments across the division, with a focus on the maritime islands, including the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups.

Divisional planning officer West Elimi Rokoduru said teams would mobilise to maritime communities once clearance was given by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.

“The priority is to reach the maritime areas, but there is a total communications blackout. Information seen on social media still needs to be verified on the ground,” he said.

He said relief supplies and further assistance would depend on the outcome of initial assessments.

“The district officers and provincial administrators are on the ground conducting initial assessments and clean-up,” Mr Rokoduru said.

He said the main challenge was reaching the Yasawa, Mamanuca and Malolo groups due to poor weather and communication blackouts.

“Our challenge right now is the maritime islands. We are making arrangements, and as soon as the weather clears, we will deploy teams,” he said.

“We know there are people affected, but we do not yet know the full extent of damage to households. However, there is significant damage to agriculture.”

He said coordination between social welfare, health and municipal teams is ongoing to restore normalcy and address immediate needs.

In his address to the nation last night, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said sectoral rehabilitation would begin immediately, with the Ministry of Agriculture leading initial damage assessments in affected farming areas.

"Damage assessments are ongoing, and more detailed information will be provided as reports are consolidated," Mr Rabuka said.

Teams are carrying out initial damage assessments in Lautoka while awaiting improved weather to access maritime areas.