PM: We Will Help You

All affected communities will be helped, Prime Minister Voreqe Baini­marama said yesterday after a high-level government briefing.

He said disaster and health offi­cials were on the ground. He met with Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Jone Usamate, NDMO Director Vasiti Soko, Acting Permanent Security for Infrastructure and Transport George Tavo, Per­manent Secretary for Agricul­ture David Kolitagane, Acting Police Commissioner Maretino Qiolevu, first responders and key stakeholders at Nasilivata House in Suva.

So far, 51 evacuations centres with 2121 people were active.

Furthermore, despite adviso­ries, a man is missing after be­ing swept away by flood waters in Vunidawa, Naitasiri.

Mr Bainimarama is urging the public to stay away from flooded waters.

“Move to higher grounds if possible and keep an eye on young children. We will remain vigilant until the danger has completely passed,” Mr Baini­marama said.

He said Government would take account of the total damage from TC Sarai.

The National Disaster Manage­ment Office says a storm warn­ing remains in force for Vat­ulele, Kadavu and Matuku and now also in force for Moala and Totoya.

NDMO Director Vasiti Soko said: “Police are overseeing all active evacuation centres for the purpose of safety, protection and relevant DO’s will be monitor­ing the situation on the ground.”

Drowning

Police have confirmed that a 18-year-old student is believed to be the country’s latest drowning victim.

The student was swimming in the Baidamudamu waters in Kadavu when the incident oc­curred yesterday afternoon.

The student is believed to have been swept away by strong cur­rents while swimming with friends.

The drowning death toll cur­rently stands at 41 compared to 43 for the same period last year.

Weather

Fiji Meteorological Service director Misaele Funaki said Tropical Cyclone Sarai would not be making a loop and head back our way.

“Updated information indi­cated that TC Sarai is continu­ing to track in a south-easterly direction before it dissipates,” he said.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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