Businesses in towns across the western division of Fiji, including Ba and Rakiraki, have faced significant disruptions due to recent flooding. In response to rising water levels, shops were forced to shut down to safeguard their operations and inventory.
Moshin Khan, the special administrator for the Ba Town Council, explained that the decision to close Ba was essential for protecting local businesses. They have been collaborating with various organizations, including the Ba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Fiji National Disaster Management Office, Fiji Police, and the National Fire Authority, to manage the situation effectively. While Ba Main Street remained accessible for part of the day, it had to be closed between 1 PM and 2 PM as the flood conditions worsened. Water began entering Market Arcade around 7 AM, affecting operations early in the day.
In Tavua, health inspector Serevi Nabura confirmed that the MaxVal-U supermarket had to close, although Tavua town itself was still operational despite flooding impacting the area near the Shop N Shop supermarket from a river spill. Rakiraki town, on the other hand, was entirely closed as the creek water levels surged into the town.
In contrast, in Nadi and the Nadroga/Navosa region, businesses are gradually returning to normal. Muni Reddy, the CEO of Nadi Town Council, reported that businesses in the area were engaged in clean-up efforts and operations resumed as usual. Suresh Naidu, the chairman of the Nadroga Navosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, echoed this sentiment, indicating that businesses in the rugby town were also functioning normally again.
Summary:
Recent flooding in the western division of Fiji has led to the temporary closure of businesses in Ba and Rakiraki due to rising water levels. While Ba Town Council and local organizations worked to manage the situation, other towns like Nadi and Nadroga/Navosa are bouncing back quickly, indicating resilience within the community.
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, it is encouraging to see communities working together and businesses in unaffected areas striving to recover swiftly. This response showcases a spirit of determination and collaboration, which is essential in times of crisis.
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