News Release

Fiji Flooding, More Bad Weather Forecast

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are continuing to seek out and assist individuals and families hit hard by widespread flooding.

At least six people have died due to the flooding, as reported by the New Zealand Herald today. The newspaper also reports that the weather is forecast to get worse.

There have been no reports of injury or deaths amongst Latter-day Saint congregations. All Church members and missionaries are accounted for.

Latter-day Saint meetinghouses in Nawaka and Nadi are being used as evacuation centres to accommodate those who have had to leave their homes.

According to one local Latter-day Saint leader, President Maiwiriwiri, 72 people are staying at the Nawaka chapel, including 39 persons of other faiths. Food is being provided by Latter-day Saints and, as needed, by local Church leaders drawing upon fast offering funds.

In the village of Rakraki there is no power or clean water supply. Three Church member families have been displaced and are staying with and being cared for by extended family.

An elders quorum president's home in the Saioko village has collapsed.

According to local reports, Ba chapel has been flooded with mud reaching the height of the podium. Water is believed to be receding.

There is significant crop damage in many parts of the country.

Latter-day Saint Country Welfare Manager, Jackson Yee, says "Suva has had pockets of flooding."

Jackson Yee is communicating with government departments and agencies regarding ways the Church could assist communities. There has been no request at this stage.

 

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