The Divisional Commissioner Western’s office is advising members of the public in Nadi not to be alarmed next week if they hear loud sirens as they would be conducting flood simulation exercise for the town and nearby areas.
The two day exercise from October 7 – 8 is part of a holistic approach taken by Government and other stakeholders in the preparation towards the cyclone season which begins next month.
Nadi district officer Jiuta Waqavonovono said the impact of flooding in low lying areas particularly in villages along the Nadi River is of concern to Government hence the need for such an exercise.
“The exercise will involve five villages namely Sikituru, Yavusania, Navatulevu, Maqalevu and Narewa and four schools – Nadi Muslim College, Ratu Navula College, Nadi District and Nadi Primary school,” Mr Waqavonovono said.
“There will be loud sirens heard over the two days and even the Nadi Town Council is working together to ensure the town is participating.”
Mr Waqavonovono said the District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and the Evacuation Centres will also be activated to raise awareness on what to do in such situations.
The flood simulation exercise is being carried out in partnership with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Nadi Town Council, the Fiji Police, the Fiji Military Forces, National Fire Authority, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Ministry of Information.
ADRA representative Mr Robert Patton said the Nadi town would be open for business as usual and business owners who are interested in taking part in the exercise can do so in their shops.
“In town it will be business as usual but shop owners wanting to be part of the exercise can do so in their shops in terms of what they will do should a flood occur,” Mr Patton said.
“We want a proactive community and not a reactive one and we would like to ensure that incase if a flood comes, people will know what to expect and what is required of them,” he added.
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