Vunisea Jetty Operational Today

The Vunisea Jetty approach washed out during Tropical Cyclone Keni has been repaired by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) and should be operational today (April 13).

This was part of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s briefing by the director National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Isireli Leweniqila, yesterday.

On the initial damage assessment at Kadavu, he said, 43 homes were completely damaged and 179 partly damaged.

The damage assessment was only in parts of Kadavu the NDMO team was able to reach and the final report would be tabled when the teams completed their work.

EVACUATION CENTRES

A total of 36 evacuation centres opened on Kadavu, with 948 evacuees. Mr Leweniqila confirmed in the briefing that evacuation centres in Lau, Lomaiviti and the Northern Division had been closed.

The evacuation centres which are still operational are:

Eastern Division – 36 with 948 evacuees;

Western Division – 159 with 7804 evacuees; Central Division – seven with 183 evacuees; and Northern Division – all closed. Total - 202 centres and 8935 evacuees.

ROADS

As for roads, Mr Leweniqila said, a number were still closed to all traffic. These were:

Central Division – 23; Western Division – 50; and Eastern – 17.

SCHOOLS

All schools in the Northern Division, he said, were open except for the greater Labasa area, which was facing water disruption, with clean up to be completed (Qawa, Nasekula & Labasa 40 per cent) “Clean up commenced in Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki by NFA,” he said.

WEATHER UPDATE

A flood alert remains for most parts of Fiji;

A trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain remains slow moving over the Eastern and Northern Part of Fiji; and

A strong wind warning remains in force for Rotuma waters.

What’s happening WESTERN DIVISION

Clearing of schools; Return of evacuees; Distribution of rations; and Cleaning operation in floodaffected areas

CENTRAL DIVISION

Health Issue – mobilising Ministry of Health and Medical Services staff to flood-affected areas IDA on infrastructure Consultation with evacuees, counselling. Monitoring of the Rewa River Water level

NORTHERN DIVISION

Restoration of power, water and roads

Return of evacuees