Officials from the government and the Rakiraki Town Council are intensifying efforts to prevent flooding in Rakiraki. A survey conducted in 2022 revealed that the town suffered financial losses ranging between $200,000 and $300,000 due to the damage caused by 27 flooding events.
Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa addressed Parliament, highlighting that flooding has been a recurrent issue in Rakiraki, primarily due to the area’s geography and weather patterns. Key regions that frequently face flooding include Naqoro Flat and the Nakauvadra Range backroad.
Rakiraki is particularly susceptible to flash floods during periods of heavy rainfall, notably during the wet and cyclone seasons. “There have been 27 recorded floods since 2018, with an average of four floods occurring annually in Rakiraki, which is quite substantial,” Mr. Nalumisa remarked.
He noted that flooding often leads to the town’s closure, and the main roads and businesses typically require two to three days for clean-up operations. The economic impact on local businesses has been significant, as indicated by the 2022 survey conducted by the Rakiraki Town Council, which estimated losses between $200,000 and $300,000. For a small community, these figures represent a serious blow to their livelihoods.
Additionally, Mr. Nalumisa pointed out that flood aftermaths have led to increased health risks, including diseases like leptospirosis, typhoid, and dengue fever, attributed to contaminated water, inadequate sanitation, and the proliferation of mosquitoes.
To address these challenges, Mr. Nalumisa announced that the Rakiraki Town Council has developed a Disaster Management Policy, which includes operational procedures for disaster management. This policy is scheduled to be activated in November and will remain in effect until April of the following year.