Deluge Swamps 20 Houses In Lomawai Village
Twenty homes in the village of Lomawai in Nadroga were affected by the downpour yesterday which caused flash flooding in various locations in the Western Division. Lomawai Village assistant headman Aporosa Rairibi said they were awakened around 4am by the heavy downpour with waters rushing into their homes from the nearby river.
“We were caught by surprise that the river broke its banks and entered the village,” he said. “The water reached waist level but it managed to recede at 10am with all villagers started their clean up and drying their household goods.” There were no reports of injuries in the community.
“The only concern in the next two weeks our food sources such as cassava will be affected as our plantation was damaged,” he said. The Lomawai Methodist Church shop experienced waist-deep water levels.
The village has 75 homes. Meanwhile, various areas in Nadi experienced flash flooding including the town end, and various areas at the Back Road, Savalau Road, Bukuya Road, and Nasau. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that there were reports of flash flooding received at Semo Village in Nadroga and Mission Road in Sigatoka
Others includes Tavua, Mataniwai Road, Yaladro Flats in Rakiraki and Malele bridge was only open to small /light vehicles as the bridge was partly damaged by the floods.
“We had standby teams with other stakeholders ready to assist those who were affected,” said Ms Naisoro.