The National Disaster Management Office is advising the public to make necessary preparations as Tropical Cyclone Ella Category 1 approaches Fiji from the east and is expected to intensify this week.
Instructions have also been given to Divisional Commissioners to activate their emergency operation centres and also for all evacuation centres to be on standby from this afternoon.
The Director of the National Disaster Management Office, Sunia Ratulevu has confirmed this to Legend FM News saying people should start making necessary precautions.
Ratulevu says those that are living in makeshift shelters like tents should contact their provincial administrators and district officers and also uninstall their temporary shelters.
He says these people can take shelter in their nearest evacuation centre if the need arises.
Ratulevu says people residing in low lying areas and coastal areas need to prepare now and this instruction is also to those who are residing in Viti Levu.
He says people should not take things lightly even if they are not in the track of the centre of Cyclone Ella.
You can call the DISMAC Centre on 3319250 if you require any emergency details including information about your nearest evacuation centre.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has also advised all school heads to liaise closely with parents and community leaders and advise them accordingly to avoid taking any risk of students coming to school during or after adverse weather conditions.
The Ministry of Education says parents and guardians should be informed in advance of any changes to the school timetable.
Please also take not of these emergency contact numbers:
Police – 917
Ambulance – 910 or 911
Fire – 910 or 911
Broken Power Lines – 913
DISMAC National Emergency Operation Center: 3319250
