Food Rations and Cleanup Efforts: Western Division Responds to Evacuation Needs

The Divisional Commissioner for the Western Division, Apolosi Lewaqai, has announced ongoing efforts to distribute food rations to 61 families currently sheltering in evacuation centres. Teams are actively engaged in delivering essential supplies, concentrating their efforts in Nadi at locations including Andrews Primary School, Saioni Church, Korovuto Secondary School, and the Vou Dance Group Office.

Lewaqai indicated that per established guidelines, food rations are provided to evacuees 48 hours following their evacuation. As of now, preparations for the food packages are underway, with the goal of completing distribution by the end of the day.

In addition to food distribution, teams are assessing the situation on the ground, monitoring homes, and evaluating residual water levels. Significant cleanup efforts will be necessary, even as the Western Division enjoys sunny weather at present. However, the Fiji Meteorological Services have predicted a likelihood of rain in the coming days due to a lingering band of clouds over the country.

In light of these conditions, Lewaqai urged residents to take safety precautions while cleaning, recommending that they wear protective gear such as sturdy shoes. He also encouraged them to seek assistance from Ministry of Health personnel, particularly from the public health sector, who are on hand to provide support.

Emergency operations centres will remain active throughout the weekend as rainfall is anticipated. Lewaqai stated that all relevant agencies have been briefed on initial damage assessments, and efforts will shift to comprehensive evaluations post-disaster to determine the level of assistance needed by affected communities.

This proactive approach reflects a commitment to support those in need and underscores the importance of community resilience in the face of adversity. As the Western Division navigates the recovery process, the collaborative efforts of emergency teams and public health officials remain vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.

In summary, distribution of food rations is underway for evacuated families, with ongoing assessments and emphasis on safety measures in preparation for potential rainfall. This collective effort demonstrates a strong community response during challenging times.