Food Rations Distributed to Evacuees in Western Division: What’s Next?

The Divisional Commissioner for the Western Division, Apolosi Lewaqai, has announced that the focus of efforts today is on distributing food rations to 61 families currently housed in evacuation centers. Lewaqai indicated that teams are diligently working to ensure these families receive necessary supplies.

“Our efforts are concentrated in Nadi, specifically servicing those located in Andrews Primary School, Saioni Church, Korovuto Secondary School, and the Vou Dance Group Office,” he said. He explained that food rations are distributed in accordance with guidelines that allow for such assistance 48 hours after evacuation. The goal is to complete distribution for these families by the end of today.

In addition to food distribution, Lewaqai mentioned that assessment teams are on the ground evaluating the conditions of homes and checking residual water levels. While sunny weather is currently prevalent in the Western Division, predictions from the Fiji Meteorological Services suggest potential rainfall in the coming days due to a persistent band of clouds.

Lewaqai urged the community, following advice from the Ministry of Health, to take safety precautions such as wearing sturdy shoes while cleaning their homes. He emphasized the importance of seeking guidance from health staff who are available to provide necessary support, particularly from the public health sector.

Emergency operations centers will continue to remain active as weather forecasts indicate that rain will likely persist over the weekend. According to Lewaqai, all relevant agencies have been informed of the initial damage assessments, and comprehensive evaluations will be conducted post-disaster to ascertain the extent of assistance needed for affected communities.

This proactive approach in response to the emergencies reflects a strong commitment to assisting those in need while promoting safety and preparedness. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of the favorable conditions while being cautious, which fosters resilience in challenging times.