A team from the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and Mineral Resources Department (MRD) are now in Kadavu monitoring and conducting assessments of the aftershock of the Sunday earthquake.
NDMO media officer Rusiate Baleilevuka confirmed the team was led by provincial administrator (PA) Kadavu, Ropate Tuikenawa.
“MRD officials and other NDMO officials will join them later this week,” he said. “PA Kadavu is the disaster coordinator for NDMO on the ground when it comes to any disaster.
“They are under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, operate on the ground and provide reports to NDMO.”
For now, NDMO and MRD officials have advised the villages that are close to Mount Washington (Delai Nabukelevu) on the Island of Kadavu to refrain from diving on their fishing grounds or avoid movement along Mount Washington.
The management have advised other villagers including Nabukelevu I Ra, Lomati, Talaulia, to stay safe and take precautions.
“The situation on Kadavu Island on Mount Washington is currently a priority for the NDMO,” the NDMO management said.
“We have a team on the ground who are advising communities. Safety of communities remains our priority.”
Both parties are urging the islanders to stay away from all landslides that have occurred in the last few days including within the Mount Washington vicinity. MRD acting director Raijeli Taga said continuous tremors or future aftershocks could make these areas more hazardous.
“It cannot be fully ascertained if tremours will occur, but the main concern is to take precautions. The team is on the ground for assessment so we are still awaiting the report from Kadavu so that we can inform the people.”
Edited by Naisa Koroi
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