There has only been reports of minimal damage in the West - Ditoka

The Government through the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is closely working with the Fiji Meteorological Service as they continue to monitor the adverse weather affecting parts of the Western Division.

Minister for Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka confirms he has been fully briefed by the Fiji NDMO and teams on the ground are continuously providing updates to the senior management about the situation in the West.

The Minister says they have conducted visitations to some of the flood prone communities in the West and he is relieved to confirm that there has only been reports of minimal damage.

He says he is on a tour of Vanua Levu at present, visiting victims of TC Yasa and Ana at Nabavatu who are still dwelling in a tent for almost two years now as well as other areas of concern.

He says he intends to make a visit to the Western Division for an on-site brief by the Commissioner Western Division and his team as soon as he returns from Vanua Levu tomorrow.

Director NDMO, Vasiti Soko says they will scale up their efforts should the need arise.

Soko says so far the only report of damage they have received is the Nalotawa Road in Ba which is in danger of slipping.

The Director NDMO says as confirmed by the Fiji Roads Authority CEO the road is still open with single lane traffic and caution signs have also been installed to warn commuters.

Soko says FRA will be verifying the cause of slip once the weather clears and also carry out remedial measures.

The Ministry says the NDMO has confirmed that no evacuation centre had been activated since reports of flash flooding in the West were received, however, the NDMO continues to work with the Ministry of Education to have school buildings ready should the need to activate any evacuation centre arises.

Soko adds the NDMO has also been receiving community reports from the Fiji Council of Social Services and is pleased to confirm that they have reported the same that there no major damages on the ground.