The National Disaster Management Office has extended the state of natural disaster in the Western Division for a further 10 days with effect from February 9, to allow full damage assessments to be completed.
According to the National Disaster Office, the extension will give time for cleaning up of areas affected by the floods before those evacuated return home.
“The logic behind this is waste management, as those houses affected needs to be cleaned of mud and debris and fumigated by the Ministry of Health. Drains need to be cleared to ensure it is fit for people to live in”, said the Disaster Office acting director Ms Akisi Korodrau.
Korodrau adds that the extension will help the NDMO to also clean evacuation centres, such as schools to resume classes.
She said that there are currently 162 evacuees taking shelter at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka.
The state of natural disaster was initially declared on January 25th for a period of 15 days.
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