The Philippine Embassy in New Zealand reported to the Department that based on the report given by Dr. Virgilio de Asa, Philippine Honorary Consul in Suva, Fiji, there were no Filipinos affected by the heavy rains and severe floods in Fiji. According to Dr. de Asa, there were so far no reports of any Filipino getting injured or homeless in Nadi and Ba that were affected by the flooding except for the Gloria Jeans Coffee Shop in Nadi managed by a Filipino that had to be temporarily closed down together with other establishments in order to be protected from looters who may take advantage of the abandoned buildings in the flooded areas. Dr. de Asa said that Fiji police authorities have temporarily imposed curfew hours from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in the towns of Nadi, Ba and other flooded areas to ensure public safety. Most Filipinos in Fiji are residing in the capital city of Suva which is not at all affected by the flooding while others are staying in the towns of Nadi and Ba. Filipinos working in Fiji are doctors, nurses and hospital workers, IT specialists, engineers, cooks, garment factory workers and office workers in tourism and other business establishments.
Radio New Zealand reported that Viti Levu appears to be the worst affected with access roads cut off in the towns of Nadi, Ba and Rakiraki. The Fiji Times reported that evacuation centers are open in the Western Division and that at least 1,000 people have so far been evacuated. It is predicted that heavy rains will continue over the next few days as a slow moving trough of low pressure moves over the island group. High tides have made the flooding worse.
Fijilive reported that police have retrieved the body of a 35-year old man who was swept away by strong currents in the Caquru River, Northern Division, when he tried to swim across the flooded river to free his pigs. Radio New Zealand reported that another farmer also drowned when he tried to rescue his livestock.
Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez and Honorary Consul Dr. Virgilio de Asa are closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos in Fiji.
NO FILIPINOS AFFECTED BY FLOODS IN FIJI
