Schools remain open: Minister Reddy
Schools will remain open today but it’s up to parents to decide whether it’s safer to keep their children at home. Minister for Education Mahendra Reddy gave this advice last night as more heavy rain warning was given by the Fiji Meteorology Services. Mr Reddy said: “We are urging parents to judge for themselves whether it’s safe to send their child to school given the road/weather condition. If parents feel that WKHUH LV D FKDQFH RI aeRRGLQJ RU there are any safety issues then they must use their discretion and take necessary precautions.” He said his ministry was closely monitoring the situation and there would be regular assessments. Heavy rain hit many parts of the country yesterday but there were QR UHSRUWV RI aeRRGLQJ RU URDG FORsures.
Fiji Meteorology Services director Ravind Kumar said: “The periods of heavy rain is expected till late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning with stormy thunderstorms in Ba, Labasa, Lautoka, Nabouwalu, Nadi, Nausori, Navua, Rakiraki, Savusavu, Sigatoka and Tavua. “For Taveuni and Rotuma, occasional rain and few thunderstorms are likely. Ø0HDQZKLOH aeRRG DOHUW LV QRZ LQ force for all low lying areas and small streams adjacent to major rivers for the whole of Fiji. “An active trough of low pressure remains slow moving over Fiji.
“Associated cloud and rain is expected to affect the group till later tomorrow,” Mr Kumar said. Mr Kumar advised the public to be careful with their movements and driving in the wet conditions. “They are also advised to take weather forecast and warnings seriously, keep updated with the latest weather information and are prepared for unexpected weather conditions at all times. “People are also reminded to be cautious and alert if they are living in low lying areas that are SURQH WR aeRRGLQJ Ù
Meanwhile, a fallen tree in Coloi-Suva caused a power black-out in the area last night. When the Fiji Sun team arrived at the scene, only one lane was open to vehicles. A fallen power line was noticeable on the side of the road. Members of the public are advised to treat all fallen Fiji Electricity Authority power-lines as live.
Call 13233 to report any fallen power lines.