Businesses in multiple towns within the western division, including Ba and Rakiraki, faced disruptions due to adverse weather conditions. As water levels rose, shops were inundated, leading to the closures of many local businesses.

Moshin Khan, the special administrator for Ba Town Council, explained that closing down Ba town during the flooding was a necessary measure to protect local businesses. Khan and his team have been collaborating with the Ba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDMO), Fiji Police, and the National Fire Authority (NFA) to manage the situation effectively. Although Ba Main Street reopened on Friday, it had to close again between 1 PM and 2 PM due to worsening conditions. The Market Arcade experienced water intrusion as early as 7 AM.

Serevi Nabura, a health inspector from Rakiraki/Tavua Town Council, confirmed that the MaxVal-U supermarket in Tavua was closed, while Tavua town was open for business but suffered from flooding near the Shop N Shop supermarket from river overflow. Rakiraki town, however, had to close completely as water levels from the creek continued to rise.

In contrast, Nadi Town Council’s CEO, Muni Reddy, reported that businesses in Nadi resumed normal operations, engaging in cleanup efforts after the flooding. Similarly, Suresh Naidu, chairman of the Nadroga/Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, indicated that business activity in the region remained robust.

Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, the response from local authorities and communities shows a commitment to recovery and resilience. Residents and business owners are working together to restore normalcy while also looking out for one another in these tough times. This collaborative spirit may pave the way for stronger community bonds moving forward, even amidst weather-related adversities.

In summary, while Ba and Rakiraki experienced significant disruptions due to flooding, towns like Nadi and Nadroga Navosa showcased resilience and a return to normalcy. The efforts to manage the situation reflect a community’s strength and commitment to supporting each other in challenging times.