Emergency water carting to Cikobia Island has been temporarily suspended due to strong winds and rough seas, as authorities continue efforts to assist communities affected by dry conditions in the Northern Division.

The National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO), through the Office of the Divisional Commissioner Northern, is coordinating the operation to provide water to the island.

The MLC Vatulawa is currently in Cikobia to support the water supply effort. However, the sea conditions have made it unsafe to continue transporting and offloading water.

Despite the delay, the vessel’s crew has delivered bottled drinking water, sanitary hampers and a 5,000-litre water tank to schools and villages on the island to meet immediate needs.

The NDRMO says it is working with relevant agencies to monitor weather and sea conditions, with water carting expected to resume once it is safe.

The office has acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, the Water Authority of Fiji and the crew of the MLC Vatulawa in assisting affected communities.