Families on Cikobia and Naqelelevu Islands in the Northern Division have received emergency water assistance as Fiji continues to experience the effects of El Niño.
Approximately 55,200 litres of water were delivered to Naqelelevu Island through emergency water carting operations carried out by the government vessel MLC Vatulawa.
The National Disaster Risk Management Office says the vessel resumed its operations over the weekend after refuelling at Malau Port, completing water deliveries to the remaining villages requiring assistance before proceeding to Naqelelevu.
At Naqelelevu, the water was successfully pumped ashore to support the community's needs.
The operation was coordinated by the NDRMO, under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, the Water Authority of Fiji and the Office of the Commissioner Northern Division.
With dry conditions continuing, the NDRMO is urging households and communities to store water early and prepare for possible shortages.
Communities are encouraged to use clean, covered containers to store water, identify alternative water sources, conserve supplies and prioritise water for drinking, cooking and essential household needs.
The NDRMO says assistance to remote and maritime communities may take time to reach affected areas, and is urging people to prepare before their water supplies are depleted.
