Parts of Western and Northern Divisions are currently facing meteorological drought

Parts of the Western and Northern divisions are currently facing a meteorological drought where low rainfall has been recorded in the last three months.

This has been confirmed by the Principal Scientific Officer for the Climate Service Division at the Fiji Meteorological Service, Teri Atalifo.

Atalifo says it is not a severe drought and the current situation is not that bad like some of our extreme drought events.

He says the situation will improve in the coming months as a lot of rainfall is expected across the country and the water shortage issue at community level should improve.

The month of August was drier than usual in most parts of the country, especially in the Western, Central and Eastern divisions. The rainfall monitoring stations in the Nadi to Tavua corridor, Suva, Navua, Monasavu and Matuku registered less than half the normal rainfall.

This is according to Fiji Meteorological Service’s Fiji Climate Summary.

The driest site during August was Keiyasi with only 12mm of rainfall, followed by Nadi with 17mm, Tavua with 20mm, Lautoka with 21mm and Labasa 22mm.

Extended period of dry days were recorded during August, especially in the Western Division and the Northern half of Vanua Levu.

The Momi to Lautoka corridor, Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, and northern half of Vanua Levu recorded less than 5 rain days.

Meanwhile, Yasawa based Ratu Naivalu Primary School Head Teacher, Josevata Kanabicibici says since June, the school had been running out of stored water as a result of the prolonged dry weather.

Kanabicibici says they only get water when it rains or when the government vessel carts water to the villages and schools.

About 162,300 litres of water was distributed by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management teams in Vatulele and Yasawa on Wednesday.

The team onboard the MV Vunilagi distributing water to villages in Yasawa were in Ratu Naivalu Primary School where they were able to cart 66,800 litres of water.

Kanabicibici says they are thankful to government for hearing their cries for water and with this assistance, they will be able to continue properly with classes.

Water was also carted to Vatulele District School, the health centre on the island and to water tanks at Ekubu Village in Yasawa.

[About 162,300 litres of water was distributed by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management teams in Vatulele and Yasawa]