Floods Cost Businesses $300,000

Government and Rakiraki Town Council executives are working overtime to prevent flooding in Rakiraki.

After a survey in 2022, Rakiraki Town recorded a loss of $200,000 to $300,000 after the devastation left behind by 27 floods.

Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa informed Parliament that flooding in Rakiraki has been a persistent problem, primarily caused by its geographical setting and climatic conditions.

Major areas affected include Naqoro Flat and the Nakauvadra Range backroad.

Rakiraki is prone to flashfloods during periods of heavy rainfall, especially during the wet season and cyclone seasons.

“There were 27 floods recorded from 2018 with an average of four floods expected yearly in Rakiraki. That is really a big number,” Mr Nalumisa said.

“The town is usually closed because of floods and the main public roads and businesses normally take two to three days to clean-up.

“According to a survey conducted by the Rakiraki Town Council in 2022, loss to businesses was about $200,000 to $300,000. For a small town, that is a major dent in their livelihood.”

Mr Nalumisa said the aftermath of floods included the rise in diseases such as leptospirosis, typhoid and dengue fever due to contaminated water, poor sanitation and the rapid increase of vectors like mosquitoes.

Mr Nalumisa said in mitigating these risks, Rakiraki Town Council has prepared a Disaster Management Policy that included the Disaster Management Operation.

He said this would be usually activated in November and deactivated the following April.

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