Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/28/2024 16:12
RESILIENCE IS KEY: WITH COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE...
Building a resilient community requires preparedness and learning from past disasters.
This was the core message stressed by Commissioner Central Division Mr. Josefa Navuku during the Government radio show 'Voqa ni Davui'.
While updating listeners regarding the recent flooding in the Central Division, Mr. Navuku emphasised the critical role that knowledge, awareness, and preparedness play in enhancing community resilience in the face of significant rainfall events.
He noted the effective reporting by disaster committees in communities and villages affected and their constant update to the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) proved valuable and testified to the community training on Disaster Risk Reduction carried out in the Central Division.
"Resilience is key, and with our collective knowledge from past disasters, we can overcome challenges as individuals, families, and communities."
Mr. Navuku expressed deep gratitude that no lives were lost over the weekend.
"There was no report of lives lost, and this tells us that the public is responsive to information shared through awareness campaigns and prepared for the rain that came last weekend," he said.
The Commissioner commended the River Road community in Nasinu, which supported its members affected by the flood, demonstrating the community spirit essential in times of disaster.
"Their solidarity and selflessness truly embody the spirit of community," he added.
Nonetheless, Mr Navuku noted the toll of the excessive rainfall, reporting infrastructure damage.
"Four cases of landslide damaging properties were reported from Naqali Village, Sawani, Narere and Wailoku. These communities, including Wailea in Suva, were also flooded. In Sote Village, Tailevu, a new foot crossing was washed away while some roads were either impassable due to water inundation and landslides."
Mr. Navuku praised the prompt actions of first responders and the Fiji Roads Authority in reopening blocked and flooded roads.
"As we enter the last week of October, we also launch National Disaster Awareness Week to emphasise the importance of community preparedness across all divisions."
"Together, we can turn knowledge into action and foster a spirit of preparedness that protects us all," he concluded.
This was the core message stressed by Commissioner Central Division Mr. Josefa Navuku during the Government radio show 'Voqa ni Davui'.
While updating listeners regarding the recent flooding in the Central Division, Mr. Navuku emphasised the critical role that knowledge, awareness, and preparedness play in enhancing community resilience in the face of significant rainfall events.
He noted the effective reporting by disaster committees in communities and villages affected and their constant update to the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) proved valuable and testified to the community training on Disaster Risk Reduction carried out in the Central Division.
"Resilience is key, and with our collective knowledge from past disasters, we can overcome challenges as individuals, families, and communities."
Mr. Navuku expressed deep gratitude that no lives were lost over the weekend.
"There was no report of lives lost, and this tells us that the public is responsive to information shared through awareness campaigns and prepared for the rain that came last weekend," he said.
The Commissioner commended the River Road community in Nasinu, which supported its members affected by the flood, demonstrating the community spirit essential in times of disaster.
"Their solidarity and selflessness truly embody the spirit of community," he added.
Nonetheless, Mr Navuku noted the toll of the excessive rainfall, reporting infrastructure damage.
"Four cases of landslide damaging properties were reported from Naqali Village, Sawani, Narere and Wailoku. These communities, including Wailea in Suva, were also flooded. In Sote Village, Tailevu, a new foot crossing was washed away while some roads were either impassable due to water inundation and landslides."
Mr. Navuku praised the prompt actions of first responders and the Fiji Roads Authority in reopening blocked and flooded roads.
"As we enter the last week of October, we also launch National Disaster Awareness Week to emphasise the importance of community preparedness across all divisions."
"Together, we can turn knowledge into action and foster a spirit of preparedness that protects us all," he concluded.