Fijians Urged To Refrain From Unecessary Travel To Affected Rural Communities In Vanua Levu

Fijians are requested to minimize and even refrain from unnecessary travel to rural communities and villages on Vanua Levu that were hit by Tropical Cyclone Yasa by David Kolitagane, National Disaster Controller and Permanent Secretary, for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management.

“Your presence in these areas is adding to the strain on the limited water and sanitation services available to the people in these areas and also to the services we are restoring,” said Mr. Kolitagane, “As it is, we are asking residents in affected areas to store water and food safely and practice good hygiene. We have asked them to also keep their surroundings clean. This is to reduce the risk of outbreaks of Leptospirosis, Typhoid, Dengue and Diarrhea.”

PS Kolitagane said we support travels to town centres in Vanua Levu supporting business activities, however, only unnecessary travels to rural communities on the island were strongly discouraged.

According to Mr. Kolitagane the response to TC Yasa is progressing well, the Fijian Government will continue to collaborate with first responders, civil society, and donors to ensure that no Fijian is left out.

“We are grateful to individuals and organisations for gifts of cash and kind collected for those affected by TC Yasa. We request them to register their current or intended activity with the NDMO. As of today, the NDMO has processed and certified 42 individuals and organisations raising funds and or collecting items for

Fijians affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa,” said Mr. Kolitagane.

The NDMO requested the registration of individuals and organisations to assist the Department and the Divisional Commissioners in the North and East better coordinate the equitable distribution of relief items to affected communities and villages.

An online form is available on the NDMO website www.ndmo.org.fj, queries can be sent to ndmofiji.media@gmail.com.