In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Mal sweeping through Fiji waters, Government is mobilising rapid responses to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
National Disaster Management Office (NMDO) director Vasiti Soko, provided a comprehensive update on the situation, accompanied by key decisions and ongoing priorities.
Weather Update:
Tropical Cyclone Mal is expected to pass through Fiji waters later this afternoon. Most warnings are set to be cleared later today, but specific cautions remain in effect for various regions, including Storm and Gale Warnings with wind speeds reaching Hurricane Force.
Key Decisions:
- All schools will reopen from today, with teachers contributing to the disinfection of school premises.
- Non-essential civil servants are to resume work starting today.
- Food ration distribution for active evacuation centers began yesterday.
- Businesses and public service providers are given the green light to resume operations.
Evacuation Centers:
Currently, 180 active evacuation centers are operational across all divisions, housing over 6,381 evacuees from 986 households. The breakdown includes 84 centers in the Western Division, 49 in the Central Division, 37 in the Eastern Division, and 10 in the Northern Division.
Landslides:
In Wailoku, Vataleka, three families are seeking refuge in a community hall following a morning landslide. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance.
Current Priorities:
- Restoration of critical infrastructure.
- Assistance to essential services.
- Distribution of food rations to prioritized groups.
- Mobilization of Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) teams.
As the nation collectively works towards recovery, citizens are urged to stay vigilant, adhere to safety measures, and support one another.
Director Soko emphasized the importance of a unified effort in navigating through the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone.
