TC Cody is the first cyclone that has become so politicized – Seruiratu

Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu says TC Cody is the first cyclone that has become so politicized and one can bet that this is because this is an election year.

While speaking during a ministerial briefing, Seruiratu says election year or not, no one has an excuse to demand their frontline officials to place themselves at life-threatening risks.

He says while they work tirelessly to reach every Fijian impacted by severe weather, we must all remember that early preparation is key to enduring disasters.

Seruiratu says as responsible citizens, it is common sense that we prepare ourselves accordingly before a disaster strikes by bringing a disaster kit including two to three days of food items to evacuation centres.

He says this has been their consistent advice to the public for years due to the difficulties and uncertainty of reaching cyclone-affected communities within the first 48 hours of a disaster.

The Minister for Disaster Management says their priority is to get relief supplies as fast as it can be done but there are serious hazards to their frontline officials in the immediate aftermath of a storm.

Seruiratu confirms to date, at least 1,000 affected families have been assisted with food ration packs.

The Minister says he personally started visiting flood-stricken villages from 10th January to witness the devastation not only on the livelihoods but the food system.

Meanwhile, only one evacuation centre is now open in Macuata.