Evacuation centres on standby
EVACUATION centres around the country are on standby, says National Disaster Management Office director Vasiti Soko.
She said with heavy rain warnings in place for most parts of the country, the evacuation centres would be activated when the need arose.
“As events accelerate, the evacuation centres will then be opened,” said Ms Soko.
According to the Fiji Meteorological Service, Tropical Depression 03F was expected to gradually intensify and become a tropical cyclone today.
It was also expected to continue moving southwards and anticipated to pass just west of the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups later today.
Ms Soko said a heavy rain warning remained in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Northern Lau Group and the Yasawa Group.
She pleaded with members of the public to adhere to warnings issued by the relevant agencies.
“Please make good judgments about going places.
“The warning is now on heavy rain from this afternoon (yesterday), so if you have any big plans, please just take into account that you’re expecting heavy rain.
“It doesn’t hurt to postpone your event to after the cyclone. Safety is still the better option rather than taking the risk.
“My advice to members of the public is to also adhere to advice issued by the NDMO and the Fiji Met Service and look after your family, your goods, and your livestock.
“If the need arises, please move before it gets dark.”
Meanwhile, the four divisional emergency operation centres have been activated and began operations from yesterday afternoon.
She said all emergencies or situations on the weather and the responses from all four districts would be reported through the different divisional commissioners and then to the National Emergency Operation Centre.