SUVA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Fiji stood ready to deal with tropical cyclone Gita which passed south of Fiji's southern islands and continued tracking westward in Fijian waters on Tuesday.

According to a statement by the Fijian Department of Information, the Fijian government stood ready to assist communities that need immediate assistance and long-term recovery.

Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development, Disaster Management, and Meteorological Services Meleti Bainimarama said that in the past several days, the National Disaster Management Office had been closely monitoring and providing continuous public advice on TD07F which then developed into tropical cyclone Gita.

"Pro-active measures were adopted and government agencies have collaborated to identify plans of action," Bainimarama said. "Based on forecasts and continuous incoming situation reports from government officials on the ground, we've highlighted primary risk locations in Southern Lau."

Bainimarama, who is also the national disaster controller, said that once the cyclone passed and data came in, they would then be able to develop a better situation overview of damages and needs and reveal concrete action plans.

The Fiji Navy was also ready to provide assistance for the next 24 hours as tropical cyclone Gita slowly moved away.

Fiji's Navy Commander Humphrey Tawake confirmed that they were monitoring the cyclone and would provide assistance.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has advised that all ships cease travelling in central and eastern division with immediate effect.

Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said on Tuesday that he was resolutely committed to responding to the cyclone in Lau and any other affected parts of Fiji.

In 2016, Fiji was hit by tropical cyclone Winston, which killed 44 people and caused extensive damages to the island state.

Tropical cyclone Gita has slammed Samoa and Tonga, causing extensive damages.