RFMF On Stand By To Assist

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) is on standby to as­sist where necessary.

Land Force Commander Colonel Manoa Gadai said those on leave would not be recalled as they have enough people on the ground to opera­tionally manage TC Sarai.

The RFMF ongoing Stability and Security Operation (SASO) would also assist the Police and the public at large for any Rescue and Emergency Response cooperation.

“We have already moved few of our RFMF officers and Signals to the National Disaster Management Office to coordinate any immediate ac­tivities and response.”

The Land Force Commander said he was with troops in the West moni­toring the situation on the ground.

Meanwhile a first responders team comprising of Police, RFMF and the National Fire Authority was formed to provide assistance throughout the western division.

Commissioner Western Jone Bacau confirmed the RFMF Nadi Bar­racks had committed 30 officers to discuss the next course of action with the Nadi District Officer.

“We have a vehicle with the JICA flag that we will be using during these kinds of operations”

Mr Bacau said the RFMF, Police, NFA and Red Cross had their own con­tingency plans in place, if the public needed assistance.

The Deputy Police Commander West Superintendent of Police Mitiel Divuana said special teams were deployed in police stations throughout the western division

“These officers are being called to assist affected areas from Rakiraki right to Sigatoka and we have 30 officers based at our headquarters in Lautoka,” he said.

“At the moment there are 132 people in Tavua District School at the mo­ment who are stuck there after an event. We anticipate that more evacu­ees as the tide rises.”

Mr Divuana said the police were monitoring the situation and working with the commissioner western’s office and district officers.

“We ask that members of the public abide by warnings because we still see them swimming in flooded creeks, we urge them to please remain indoors as we try to evacuate those really in need,” DPC Divuana said.

National Fire Authority representative Inoke Raleba also confirmed there were 30 officers on standby in Lautoka.

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