Fiji Sun, 27 March – The National Disaster Management Office is advising the general public to exercise caution and be alert as rainy and wet conditions are expected before and into the Easter weekend.
In light of the Heavy Rain Alert currently in force by the Fiji Meteorological Services for the whole of Fiji, the public is advised that frequent heavy rain may result of flooding of low lying and flood prone areas.
As a precautionary and standard disaster ready practice, members of the public should know their emergency contacts, know their nearest evacuation center, and prepare a Family Emergency Kit should the need of evacuation arise.
In the event of a flood, members of the public should take heed of the following advice:
– Refrain from walking through flood waters;
– Practice caution when travelling along hillsides or landslide-prone areas.
– Parents and teachers are to ensure that infants and children do not play in flooded areas, drains, rivers, and other waterways.
– Stay informed for regular updates on all media for further alerts or advisories from authorities.
Road travellers during this Easter Week are advised to exercise caution as heavy rain may cause flooding and poor visibility on our roads. Motorists are advised to refrain from driving through flooded roads as depth and strength of flood waters is difficult to determine.
Similarly, mariners, particularly small fishing boats and small fiber glass boats, should heed strong wind advice and refrain from travelling out on rough seas.
While families might want to enjoy and celebrate this Easter Week and Holidays with loved ones, safety and preservation of lives must be prioritized. Members of the public are advised to stay updated on weather updates through the radio and official social media accounts. The National Disaster Management Office is closely monitoring the weather situation and stands ready to respond should the need arise.
