PM: Stay Safe, Fiji

Stay safe, Fiji!

That’s the message from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, yesterday as Tropi­cal Cyclone Sarai closes in on Fiji today.

The fear now is not the gale force winds, but the associated cloud bands, which will bring a lot of rain. And Fiji has had bad experiences with floods. Cyclone Kina and Ami are good re­minders of what floods have done to our coun­try.

Mr Bainimarama, said Fijians must exer­cise safety and take necessary precautions as weather conditions are expected to intensify.

Mr Bainimarama, met with the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Na­tional Management Office Vijay Nath, Director NDMO Vasiti Soko, Fiji Meteorological Service director Misaeli Funaki, the Deputy Security for Defence Ilai Moceica and other first re­sponders, at Nasilivata House, Samabula.

In his briefing, Mr Bainimarama, told the team to disseminate as much information to the public through the media, so that the public should be mostly aware.

“Fijians living in low-lying areas should be advised to start moving to higher grounds for their own safety. It is better to be prepared,” he said.

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), is now monitoring the situation and assisting people where required.

Fiji Roads Authority

The Fiji Roads Authority was praised for its early responses to clearing debris.

The following roads were closed in Korovou in the Central Division – Naivoco Road, Naboro Cocoa Road, Wairua Settlement Road, Nasai­bitu Road, Nawiwaivusa Road, Colata Cocoa Road and Navunisole Road.

In the North, Qelemumu Crossing, Navukuru Crossing, Nasaqa Crossing on Delaikoro Road, Natewa West Coast near Sese Village, Siberia Road, Bagata Crossing and Drekeniwai Cross­ing were closed because of flooding.

In the Western Division, Narara Crossing in Rakiraki, Barbara Irish Crossing in Rakiraki, Qalitu Road in Lautoka were open to 4WD only, Nasatogo Crossing on Draubuta Road in Si­gatoka, Navilawa Crossing in Nadi, were also closed because of flooding.

In the Eastern Division all roads remained ac­cessible.

Traffic signals

Due to power outages in the Central Divi­sion, traffic signals are currently out of order. Temporary traffic management is being put in place. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution.

Ministry of Health

The ministry’s measles campaign around the country has been cancelled. However, all health facilities around the country remains open to the public for emergency cases (Report >P36).

Defence

The National Fire Authority (NFA), the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) are on stand by notices if the weather intensifies.

Utilities

The NDMO, has said no reports have come in from the Water Authority of Fiji of water cuts from around the depots. However, Energy Fiji Limited, is working on restoring power supply to parts of Viti Levu.

The Ministry of Waterways, is on high alert on reports of flash and severe floodings around the country. All offices remain on high alert as weather conditions are expected to intensify.

Republic of Fiji Military Forces

The RFMF is in a good proactive position to assist the public at large.

“Everyone now is on 24/7 immediate stand by,” said Colonel Manoa Gadai, the RFMF Land Force Commander.

He also said military personnel on leave would not be recalled because they had enough people on the ground to operationally manage the current Category 1 TC Sarai.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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