Fiji Red Cross Society Urges Vigilance as Flood waters Recede.

"Clean drinking water is crucial at this stage, and this contribution will go a long way in supporting communities as they recover," Ms Dawai said.

Monday 30 December 2024 | 21:08

The Fiji Red Cross Society is urging communities, particularly in the Western Division, to take immediate precautions to safeguard against the surge of climate-sensitive diseases.

This is after floodwaters have begun to recede across Fiji.

These include Leptospirosis, Typhoid, Dengue Fever, and Diarrhoea (LTDD), which commonly spike during this time.

"While the immediate danger of flooding is subsiding, the risk of disease remains high," Director General, Fiji Red Cross Society Ragigia Dawai said

"We are calling on everyone to take simple but vital steps to protect themselves and their families."

Over the last three days since , the Fiji Red Cross have assessed 75 Households and assisted more than 295 people in need in the Western Division both in evacuation centres and communities.

Hygiene and Dignity Kits, Jerry Cans, Mosquito nets, Black Packs and blankets have been distributed to affected communities.

Today, the teams in the Western Division are continuing to closely monitor the situation and provide support where needed.

There are also hotspot areas for LTDD in the Western Division, making it even more critical for residents to stay vigilant and take preventative measures.

The Fiji Red Cross advices that if you are experiencing symptoms of any of these diseases, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unusual fatigue, we urge you to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can save lives.

The Director General also extended heartfelt thanks to Frezco Beverages Ltd for their generous donation of water for affected families.

"Clean drinking water is crucial at this stage, and this contribution will go a long way in supporting communities as they recover," Ms Dawai said.

In addition, the Fiji Red Cross Society expresses gratitude to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and other partners for their effective collaboration during this response.

"Strong partnerships are essential in times like these, and we deeply value the support and teamwork that have made our efforts more impactful," Ms Dawai added.

"By taking these steps, we aim to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks and support affected communities in their recovery."