UPDATE ON STATE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, CYCLONE VAIANU RESPONSE AND GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS
STATE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Preparations for the State Funeral of Ratu Epeli Nailatikau are progressing well, with strong coordination across Government, the vanua, and all supporting agencies.
We are currently in the preparation phase.
During this phase:
Preparations are being finalized at State House, Albert Park, and Bau Island
The national flag continues to fly at half-mast
Condolence books remain open for dignitaries and members of the public
From Monday 13 to Thursday 16 April, the next phase will begin with the ireguregu at State House.
All delegations intending to present their ireguregu are required to register with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.
A structured process is in place to guide all participants, from briefing, to presentation, to departure — ensuring dignity, order, and adherence to protocol.
On Thursday 16 April, the cortege will depart Oceania Hospitals at 6:00am, escorted by ceremonial guards of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to State House.
Members of the public are encouraged to stand along the route and pay their respects as the cortege of the late former President, will be escorted via Waimanu Road, Marks Street, Usher Street, Scott Street, Victoria Parade and Queen Elizabeth Drive.
At State House, the late President will lie in state, with members of the public invited to pay their final respects from 8:30am to 8:00pm. Attendance will be in controlled groups under managed entry and exit arrangements, and members of the public are required to register with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.
On Friday 17 April, the State Funeral service will be held at Albert Park at 8:30am, followed by the final procession through Suva to Bau Landing. All members of the public are welcome to the service at Albert Park.
From there, the casket will be transported to Bau Island for traditional ceremonies and burial at the sacred Sau Tabu at 2pm.
We ask all Fijians to continue observing protocols and to participate with respect and unity.
UPDATE AFTER TROPICAL CYCLONE VAIANU
As of 10:00am today, the situation following Tropical Cyclone Vaianu continues to stabilise, although recovery efforts remain ongoing.
Evacuation Centres
A total of 4 evacuation centres remain active nationwide:
In the Western Division: there are 3 active evacuation centres, supporting 12 households and 43 evacuees
In Nadi there is 1 centre — Saint Andrews Primary School which remains active due to flooding along the Nawaka tramline
In Nadroga there are 2 centres — Nalele and Yako village halls
In the Eastern Division there is 1 centre in Lawaki Village, Kadavu, supporting 2 households and 19 evacuees
The Ministry for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Risk Management will travel to Yasawa on Monday to carry out initial damage assessments and distribute rations for families in need.
Essential Services and Infrastructure
Education
From Monday 13th April, all schools in Fiji will resume classes, therefore all students and teachers are to report to school.
Water Supply
Restoration works continue at the Matovo Water Treatment Plant in Nadroga
In Ba, approximately 90% of water supply has been restored, with work ongoing to reach full restoration
Road Access
All previously closed roads in Nadroga/Navosa are now accessible
Immediate works have focused on debris clearance and reopening key routes
Structural inspections and repairs will continue over the coming weeks, with longer-term rebuilding to include climate-resilient upgrades
Electricity
Nadi: electricity has been fully restored
Ba: Power has been restored in the CBD and most areas, with work continuing in outer areas
Nadroga/Navosa: Outages persist in some communities, including Ciri, Naidiri, Maro, Tuva, and Lomawai
Lautoka: Most areas remain without power, with restoration ongoing
Health and Community Support
Health teams are actively conducting awareness on leptospirosis, typhoid, dengue, and diarrhoeal diseases, particularly in affected communities and evacuation centres
Disinfection of evacuation centres is underway to ensure schools are ready to reopen — in Ba, 4 out of 7 schools have already been cleared.
Agriculture and Livelihoods
Initial Damage Assessments have been completed in Nadroga/Navosa, with reports pending to guide recovery support
Partners and Support
Humanitarian partners, including ADRA, are working with Government to provide food rations and support to affected communities
While conditions are improving, I urge all Fijians to remain cautious:
Avoid flooded or unsafe areas
Follow official advisories
Support ongoing recovery efforts in your communities
GLOBAL UPDATE – US–IRAN CEASEFIRE
A two-week ceasefire has been reached between the United States and Iran.
This includes:
A temporary halt to hostilities
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil supply route
Ongoing negotiations toward a longer-term agreement
This development is significant for Fiji and the Pacific.
Global instability affects:
Fuel prices
Shipping and supply chains
The cost of living
While the ceasefire may help stabilise fuel supply in the short term, the situation remains uncertain. Government continues to monitor developments closely and will respond as necessary to protect national interests.
We are managing multiple issues at once — preparing for a national State Funeral, supporting recovery from a natural disaster, and navigating global uncertainty.
Through it all, our strength remains in our unity.
Let us continue to act with discipline, resilience, and care for one another.
Let us follow guidance, support our communities, and remain focused on the well-being of our nation.
May God bless you all.
And may God bless the Republic of Fiji.