Seven evacuation centres were activated across the Nacula district in Yasawa on Monday night as hundreds of villagers and hotel workers braced for Tropical Cyclone Vaianu to pass between Fiji and Vanuatu.
In Navotua, 88 people sought shelter at Ratu Meli Memorial School while others in Nacula, Matacawalevu, Malakati, Vuaki, Naisisili and Yaqeta.
In Nacula village where a health centre and police post are located, villagers were joined by tourists who were on holiday at a village home stay.
Nacula district spokesperson Lavenia Naivalu said she was pleased with quick response from villagers and guests who took each weather warning seriously.
“I was truly satisfied with how my village headmen activated their disaster response plans and by nightfall on Monday people who needed to move to evacuation centres had already moved,” said Ms Naivalu.
“We had villagers who were reinforcing their homes and collected food and water supplies for their families.
“As a community leader, this is something that I impress on our leaders that they need to adhere and implement every aspect of our disaster plans to ensure the safety of our people.”
