Evacuation centres activated as cyclone season begins

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu says evacuation centres across Fiji are being utilised and prepared as the cyclone season gets under way.

Mr Bulitavu said centres that are fit for use have been activated, while plans are also in place to use partially constructed buildings identified as evacuation centres in villages around the country.

He said churches and schools in rural communities have traditionally served as evacuation centres and continue to play a vital role during cyclone events.

Mr Bulitavu said the Government is working towards rolling out cyclone-resilient structures to provide safer and more permanent evacuation centres.

He said once the cyclone-resilient structures currently being implemented are completed, communities will have facilities better suited to withstand different categories of cyclones.

Mr Bulitavu said his ministry continues to work closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure schools and churches can be used safely as evacuation centres when needed.

He added that disaster preparedness remains a key Government priority, particularly for rural and maritime communities that are often more vulnerable to severe weather events.

Mr Bulitavu said the Government will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure evacuation centres are accessible, safe and ready to protect lives during cyclones.