As Tropical Cyclone Mal slowly moves away from the Fiji group, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has urged members of the public to refrain from making any unnecessary movement.
It has advised the public to limit travel as relevant authorities work to restore all critical infrastructure that was damaged by the category three system.
NDMO director Vasiti Soko said this was done for public safety.
“We ask members of the public to stay at home and avoid any unnecessary roaming around affected areas as authorities rush to carry out maintenance works to restore some critical infrastructure that was damaged overnight by TC Mal,” Ms Soko said.
“There have been reports of fallen live powerlines and debris obstructing accessibility in parts of the country received by our team this morning.
“We want to reiterate that public safety is of paramount importance to us and this is why we plead with the general public to limit any unnecessary travel.”
With flash flooding also expected in flood-prone and low-lying areas in Viti Levu, the NDMO has advised the general public to take necessary precautionary measures to ensure their safety during such times.
“Members of the public must continue to remain vigilant and continue to stay up-to-date with the latest weather updates from the Fiji Meteorological Services. Heed advisories issued by authorities and act accordingly. We are not out of the woods yet, so please continue to remain on high alert,” Ms Soko said.
She said the focus of the NDMO now was to ensure evacuees who had been billeted in designated evacuation centers were assisted.
