Government officials and the Rakiraki Town Council are taking urgent measures to mitigate flooding in the area. In a survey conducted in 2022, Rakiraki Town faced significant financial losses due to the impact of 27 floods, amounting to between $200,000 and $300,000.
Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa addressed Parliament, describing flooding as a recurring issue for Rakiraki, largely due to its geographical location and climate conditions. The Naqoro Flat and the Nakauvadra Range backroad were identified as particularly vulnerable areas.
Rakiraki is especially susceptible to flash flooding during heavy rainfalls, particularly in the wet and cyclone seasons. Nalumisa highlighted that since 2018, there have been 27 recorded floods, averaging about four each year. “This is indeed a significant number,” he remarked.
The floods typically disrupt the town, leading to the closure of public roads and businesses, which can take two to three days to clean afterward. The 2022 survey indicated that the financial impact on local businesses was a considerable setback for such a small town.
Furthermore, Nalumisa noted that the aftermath of flooding often leads to an increase in diseases like leptospirosis, typhoid, and dengue fever, exacerbated by contaminated water and poor sanitation conditions, alongside a rise in mosquito populations.
To address these challenges, the Rakiraki Town Council has established a Disaster Management Policy that includes a specific Disaster Management Operation. This operation is set to be activated in November and will remain in effect until the following April.