Police will enforce evacuations

FIJI – Fiji police say they will forcefully evacuate people who refuse to move to safety.

Commissioner Northern Jovesa Vocea has warned his team was prepared to take on the toughest situation.

“In our government briefing, we have been advised that people usually refuse to vacate their homes during floods,” Vocea said. “This will not happen now because we will shift the people even if they refuse to.

“Police have been informed and they will evacuate the people if they are in risky surroundings and flood prone areas.”

Vocea said although they had prepared the evacuation centres, no one had moved in.

“We are also asking people who live in temporary shelters as a result of Cyclone Winston to move into the centres if they feel uncomfortable in the tents.

Vocea said four boats had also been prepared for emergency cases.

“This will be used during times of emergency and we are again asking people to stay safe and be careful during this time of bad weather.”

All schools in Fiji are closed. Minister of Education, Dr Mahendra Reddy. said all students are to remain at home due to the severe weather conditions.

- Fiji Times