Several towns in the western division of Fiji, including Ba and Rakiraki, faced disruptions due to inclement weather. Rising water levels forced many businesses to close as a precaution to safeguard properties and inventories.
Moshin Khan, the special administrator chair for Ba Town Council, emphasized that the decision to close Ba during flooding was taken to protect local businesses. He and his team have collaborated closely with the Ba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office, the Fiji Police, and the National Fire Authority to address the ongoing situation. On Friday, Ba’s Main Street remained operational until around 1 PM to 2 PM, while the Market Arcade experienced flooding at approximately 7 AM.
In Tavua, health inspector Serevi Nabura confirmed that the MaxVal-U supermarket had to close for the day. While Tavua stayed open for business, it was still impacted by flooding near the Shop N Shop supermarket due to overflow from the nearby river. Rakiraki town, on the other hand, was completely shut down as rising creek waters inundated the area.
In contrast, Nadi and Nadroga/Navosa maintained normal operations despite the weather challenges. Muni Reddy, the chief executive officer of Nadi Town Council, reported that businesses began the cleanup process and resumed their activities. Additionally, Suresh Naidu of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that life in rugby town continued as usual.
This situation highlights the resilience of local authorities and businesses working together to navigate adversity. With collaborative efforts, the affected communities are likely to recover and emerge stronger, showcasing their ability to overcome challenges posed by nature. Organizing cleanup efforts and maintaining communication will help bolster their recovery and encourage confidence among residents and customers alike.
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