Government officials and the Rakiraki Town Council are intensifying their efforts to combat flooding in Rakiraki. Following a survey conducted in 2022, the town experienced financial losses ranging between $200,000 and $300,000 due to the damage inflicted by 27 flooding incidents.
Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, addressed Parliament, highlighting that flooding is a recurring issue in Rakiraki, largely attributed to the area’s geographical features and climatic conditions. Key locations impacted include Naqoro Flat and the backroad of the Nakauvadra Range.
Rakiraki is particularly vulnerable to flash floods during heavy rainfall, especially throughout the wet and cyclone seasons. Nalumisa noted that there have been 27 recorded floods since 2018, averaging around four floods each year in the town, which he described as significant.
“The town often faces closures due to floods, with the main roads and businesses typically requiring two to three days for clean-up,” he explained. The survey indicated that the financial impact on local businesses amounted to approximately $200,000 to $300,000, representing a substantial setback for such a small community.
Nalumisa also pointed out that the aftermath of flooding increases the risk of diseases like leptospirosis, typhoid, and dengue fever, due to issues such as contaminated water, inadequate sanitation, and a rise in vector populations like mosquitoes.
To address these challenges, the Rakiraki Town Council has developed a Disaster Management Policy that includes a Disaster Management Operation, which is set to be activated in November and remain in effect until April the following year.