Evacuation centres on standby as current forecasted weather is expected to worsen

Evacuation centres are now on standby, ready to accommodate those who wish to evacuate as precautionary measure, given the current forecasted weather.

This has been confirmed by the Acting Permanent Secretary for Rural & Maritime Development & Disaster Risk Management Salaseini Daunabuna who says the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in coordination with the respective Divisional Emergency Operation Centres (DIVEOCs) will be closely monitoring the situation.

Daunabuna also confirms that the Fiji Police Force is on standby should there be a need to evacuate members of the public from flood-prone areas.

Daunabuna says they are encouraging the public to contact the Police toll-free line on 917 if they require assistance in evacuation.

She emphasised the importance of utilising this information wisely and says the public, communities, households, and individuals should take heed of this information to ensure they are well-prepared for this cyclone season.

She adds preparedness is not a task that can be deferred but is a responsibility we share to protect our loved ones and our communities.

Daunabuna says with the heavy rain alert in place, disruptions to traffic flow and possible road closures are anticipated and they are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing flooded roads.

The NDMO is also urging households to stock up on essentials to prepare for the heavy rains and possible floods as services might be disrupted in the event of flooding and families must be self-sufficient until services are restored.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Meteorological Services has confirmed that a heavy rain alert remains in force for the Northern Division and Yasawa group.

They say a low-pressure system lies to the far northwest of Fiji, and it is expected to gradually intensify while tracking southeast towards Fiji and enter Fiji waters on Sunday possibly as a tropical disturbance.

They add associated active troughs and strong to near gale force winds are expected to affect parts of the country.