PM urges the need to continuously update the general public on current works done in various areas after TC Sarai

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has urged the relevant stakeholders the need to continuously update the general public on the current works done in various areas after TC Sarai.

Director NDMO Vasiti Soko with the three Divisional Commissioners and Director Meteorological Services provided a brief update on the situation on the ground and the current assistance that is underway.

Service providers like Energy Fiji Limited, Water Authority of Fiji, Fiji Roads Authority, Health ministry and other relevant agencies also provided briefings on the current assessments being done on the ground.

Also present in the briefing were, Minister for Health Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete, Minister for Infrastructure and Disaster Management Jone Usamate,  Minister for National Defence Inia Seruiratu, Army Commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto and Police Chief of Operations ,  ACP Maretino Qiolevu.

By: Naveel Krishant

 

Be wary of communicable diseases after TC Sarai - Dr. Waqainabete

By: Rashika Kumar

Minister for Health, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says people have to be wary of communicable diseases such as typhoid, dengue and leptospirosis and other water-borne diseases in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Sarai.

He says the government is working the Water Authority of Fiji to ensure that clean and safe water is provided to all Fijians and it is people's responsibility to ensure that there is proper sanitation in their houses.

He adds that it is simple things such as wearing footwear and gumboots for those living in farming communities to ensure their safety.

Meanwhile, Dr. Waqainabete says that they are confident that measles will not spread at evacuation centres as health officials are going to the centres and ensuring people are vaccinated.

 

Health Ministry helping assess health risks in affected areas while thousands of people are still without power supply for 4 days

By Semi Turaga

The Health Ministry is helping assess health risks in affected areas in coordination with the National Disaster Management Office as Tropical Cyclone Sarai continues to affect the Lau group.

Families in evacuation centres will be given the green light to return home following these assessments.

1,624 people are currently staying in 52 evacuation centres around the country.

The NDMO is also closely monitoring the occupation and movement of people in evacuation centres including the timely provision of ration and dignity packs.

 

KADAVU

By Semi Turaga

The National Disaster Management Office says the Kavala Health Centre has received no reports of anyone being injured in Northern Kadavu by Tropical Cyclone Sarai.

It says reports from the Assistant District Officer Kadavu confirms major damages to crops and vegetation on the island.

NDMO officials on the ground in Kadavu are still conducting initial damage assessments.

There has also been damage to Vunisea Secondary School.

NDMO has received a damage report and is expected to provide an update on the extent of the damage to the school.

 

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SITUATION

By Semi Turaga

Parts of the Central Division as well as a number of areas in the Western and Northern Divisions have been without power for four days as Energy Fiji Limited teams continue restoration works around the country.

Power supply has been gradually restored to some areas but places like Lami, some areas in Nausori, Navua, Deuba and Pacific Harbour as well as Labasa are still without power supply today.

Energy Fiji Limited says power restoration in most of these areas would take 1 to 2 days.

For the Western Division, Energy Fiji Limited says it will not be able to supply electricity to everyone  until a fault on the 132,000 Volts transmission line between the Nadarivatu Power Station to the Vuda Zone Substation has been located and repaired.

The fault occurred last Friday as Tropical Cyclone Sarai affected the Western Division and repairs to the fault is expected to be completed by tomorrow night.

Load shedding is taking place in the Western Division until the fault is fixed.

 

WATER SUPPLY SITUATION

By Shanil Singh

The Water Authority of Fiji has confirmed they have not received any reports of any of their water supply being contaminated so far but their staff are still gathering information on the ground.

A number of areas in Suva are still facing water disruptions due to blockages in pipes because of flooding and heavy rain.

Affected areas include Tovata, Makoi, Sakoca, Tacirua Heights to Loa Street, Princes Road to Upper Ragg Avenue in Tacirua,  Colo-i-Suva Seven Day Adventist to Khalsa Road Junction and Colo-i-Suva to Naisogo.

The Authority says they require additional time to allow the service reservoirs at Wainibuku, Tovata, Kalabu, Nasinu, Flagstaff, and Nagatugatu to recover for normal service to be resumed.

The Viwa booster pump in Korovou is currently without electricity supply which is why people in Matacula, Naya-wasa-ea and Vuni-salusalu are experiencing low pressure to intermittent supply.

In the Western Division, the Matovo Water Treatment Plant in Sigatoka is closed due to high tur-bidity.

Affected areas include Olosara, Rakirakilevu, Lawaqa, Kadrakulu, Malaqereqere, Oloolo, Naroro, Narata, Nadromai, Uluisila, Nacocolevu and Cuvu.

 

CURRENT FORECAST

By Semi Turaga

Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Sarai continues to affect the Lau group as it tracks through Fiji waters.

TC Sarai was located 8 kilometres north north east of Ono-i-Lau or 180 kilometres south of Kabara at 1pm today.

A storm warning is in force for  Komo, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Ogea, Fulaga, Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau.

These storm-force winds can cause damage to structures and many shallow-rooted trees could be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Unplanned power outages are also expected.

People in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu can still expect some strong winds and heavy rain at times.

Close to its centre, TC Sarai is expected to have average winds of up to 110 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts of 150 kilometres per hour.

TC Sarai is moving East at a speed of 10 kilometres per hour.

 

Port Denarau Marina sustained some damages on its jetties during TC Sarai

By: Dhanjay Deo

Port Denarau Marina has sustained some damages on its jetties during Tropical Cyclone Sarai and assessments of the costs of repairs to infrastructure are currently being carried out.

Commercial Operations have resumed as of today following clearance from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.

Vessels who had sought shelter in the mangrove adjacent to the marina channel have commenced returning to their berths.

Vessels that were hauled out during the adverse weather conditions are currently being relaunched.

Port Denarau Marina says it will carry out repairs at the earliest and continue to provide the world-class service they are known for.