The torrential rain experienced in the Western, Northern and Central divisions late last month is a reminder to everyone that 'Disasters Can Happen At Any Time, Be Prepared'.
People need to take precautions from all forms of disasters, how it is caused, psycological and financial difficulties that arise and how much government has to spend on relief and rehabilitation.
Flooding results from heavy and prolonged rainfall when water level in rivers and streams rises over the banks and spill over to surrounding areas.
Flooding also results due to blocked drains and poor drainage system. Low lying areas are easily prone to flooding.
It all began on January 7 when warnings of heavy rain by the Meteorological office was announced and within a day Nadi flooded first, followed by Ba and Sigatoka. The rain continued for more than seven days.
The disturbance in the weather system also affected the Northern and Central Divisions and flooding was also experienced in some areas.
On January 12 a State of Natural Disaster was declared for the whole of the Western Division by the Prime Minister effective from January 11.
Taskforce To Oversee Rehabilitation And Rebuilding Work
Cabinet has approved the formation of a Taskforce comprising of Permanent Secretaries to oversee the rehabilitation and rebuilding work following the recent flash floods.
The Taskforce is to comprise: Prime Minister's Office (Chair); National Planning (Secretariat); Finance; Agriculture; Works; Provincial Development; Public Utilities; Local Government, Urban Development and Housing and Health.
Prime Minister, Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said the recent floods has had direct effects on the lives of over 116,328 people in the Western Division and over 30,667 people in the Central Division. The impact of the floods was quite minimal in the Northern Division.
Emergency rations are distributed in two phases. The first phase, which commenced on January 8 included emergency relief supplies for people at evacuation centres. Emergency rations cost Government $108,326.43 and considerable NGO assistance was also provided.
He said that the second phase, which commenced on January 23 includes rations to families affected by floods. It is estimated that the cost of 1 month of rations for all households affected is in the vicinity of $3.8m.
It is expected that rations will be distributed for at least 3 months. The 3 months period has been considered as a realistic time frame because it will allow rehabilitation to occur, particularly for short term crops.
The Prime Minister emphasised that a well coordinated approach will be put into place for all the stakeholders vis-a-vis government, private sector, civil society and development partners, to ensure the successful implementation and rehabilitation effort in the most cost effective way at the shortest time possible.