Fiji Emergency operation centres now activated

[Stacey King]

FBCL News Sunday, November 28, 2010

The upgrade from cyclone alert to cyclone warning has prompted the Disaster Management Council, DISMAC to activate all its emergency operation centres in the western division.

While advising the western public to take precautionary measures, Director DISMAC, Pajiliai Dobui says those in the central division should also prepare themselves.

“We have fully activated our EOC’s for the western division while the rest remain on skeletal staff awaiting developments of the depression. Although the cyclone has been declared, at this point in time its still a depression and we’re monitoring the situation closely. All EOC’s for Kadavu, including the western division, the southwest coats of Vanua Levu, the Yasawa’s and Mamanuca have been warned. Similarly for the central division, especially flood prone areas have also been warned and response agencies are also monitoring the situation closely.”

For those in the outer islands trying to get back to mainland, Dobui says it is best that they wait for further instructions from the weather office.

“Right now I think that its best we wait for further instructions from Nadi. It may not be good to travel now. The weather around Nadi and the Yasawa’s will be dangerous at this point in time and its best that they wait for further instructions before they can move.”

And as the depression continues to edge its way closer to Fiji, parts of the reports have been pouring in of flooding in the western division.

However Dobui says they have only received reports from Tavua, where some families have taken refuge at the PWD barracks.

“The only reports we have received has been from Tavua, especially the low lying areas. The road along these areas have been closed and the affected families have taken refuge at the PWD barracks in Tavua.”

Evacuation centres have also been activated for those who may need to take refuge. Dobui is urging everyone to exercise caution and continue to listen to the radio for progressive reports of the depression.

Report by : Roland Koroi