Figures are expected to skyrocket when the final assessments/survey reports are provided by the commissioners in the four divisions and their teams.
“The incidents of unrelenting flooding caused by heavy downpour in the past weeks is considered to be the worst ever in Fiji’s history, worse than the flooding caused by the natural disasters of 1956, 1972 and 1999,” said interim Minister for Provincial Development Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
“Life must go on,” he added.
According to figures obtained by the government, in the public works sector, the damage to water and sewerage stands at $4.6 million and roads $8.2 million.
For agriculture, the estimated damage amounted to $14.5 million, education $1.2 million, health $287,000 and Fiji Electricity Authority $1.2 million.
In regards to government assistance, Ratu Epeli said the rehabilitation phase has begun.
He said food rations have been routinely supplied to all nominated and listed evacuation centers as part of the initial response initiatives.
“We expect to deliver relief rations to rural villages and settlements beginning this week based on confirmation from divisional commissioners, provincial administrators and the Ministry of Primary Industry officials on the food security situation on the ground,” he said.
