08:57 am
A hundred and fifty two (152) evacuation centres are still active in the Western Division which is currently accommodating 14, 638 people.
The National Disaster Management Office permanent secretary Mr Inia Seruiratu explained that various factors contributed to people staying longer in evacuation centres.
"One of the reasons for the prolonged stay for evacuees is the water problem and the condition of houses such as Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatoka", Seruiratu said.
"Sigatoka still has accessibility problems particularly in the Navosa area”.
One of the options that the Disaster Management Office is looking at is ensuring speedy water connection to homes and the relocation of evacuees from centres currently being used as schools.
"We're also looking at increasing manpower to assist in individual home clean ups," he said.
A total of 10 evacuation centres is still active in the Central Division with 346 evacuees.