Fiji government issues a public advisory

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Updated: 7:30am – Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office is advising the general public to examine their level of cyclone preparedness and to ensure that families and properties are ready for the cyclone.

T forecast track of Tropical Cyclone Gita may pass close to the south of Fiji in the next few days from Tongan waters.

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The Fiji Meteorological Services has forecast that Tropical Cyclone Gita at this stage poses no direct threat to Fiji.

“Yet given that cyclone paths can defy forecast tracks, it is important to remain prepared at all times,” the government said.

As precautionary acts of preparedness, members of the public are advised to:

– Ensure the strength of rooftops and walls

– Trim treetops and branches that may pose a danger to property

– Clear compounds or secure loose material that could be blown easily by strong winds and cause injury or damage to property

– Know where nearest evacuation centres are, or safe high ground is in case of storm surges, flooding, or extreme damages to property

– Have emergency contacts at the ready

– Prepare a family emergency kit to last for 3 days inclusive of:

– A portable, battery-powered radio, a torch, and spare batteries

– Dried or canned food and clean water containers

– A first aid kit

– Important documents

Members of the public are also advised to exercise caution as heavy rain and floods caused by Tropical Depression 08F affecting parts of Fiji.

In the event of a flood, members of the public should take heed of the following advice:

– Drivers and pedestrians should refrain from walking or driving through flood waters

– Caution should be exercised when travelling along hillsides or landslide-prone areas

– Parents and teachers are to ensure that infants and children do not play in flooded areas, drains, rivers, and other waterways

– Stay informed for regular updates on all media for further alerts or advisories from authorities

A strong wind warning is also in place for all Fiji waters.

Fiji authorities also advise all mariners to take heed of the strong wind warning especially for small fishing boats to avoid venturing into fishing activities as rough seas and heavy rain will be experienced.

In the past there have been experiences where lives are lost at sea due to people’s negligence to take heed of the warnings.

Members of the public are further advised to stay informed through regular news bulletins on the radio and on official social media sites of various authorities.

-RNZ

Featured image: Fiji’s capital, Suva. Photo: Ariela Zibiah

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