More rain expected, says weather office
The Nadi weather office has forecast rain until the end of the week.
With a heavy rain warning now in force for the whole of the Fiji group, blocked drains and flood prone areas along the Suva-Nausori corridor experienced localised flooding.
In the Wailea Informal Settlement, flood waters continued to rise during the day.
The Vatuwaqa River, which runs next to a settlement, had burst its banks. However, residents feared that with the continuous rainfall the situation would get worse.
As of yesterday afternoon, the Laqere River had also swelled up as flood waters covered parts of the road leading to Kalabu Village.
High rainfall measurements, blocked drains and flood prone areas in the Suva-Nausori corridor resulted in localised flooding as heavy rain continued to belt the Central Division.
According to the Fiji Meteorological Services, Sunday’s rainfall measurements in areas experiencing high rainfall were as follows:
Suva - 97 millimetres of rainfall,
Nausori - 170mm, Koronivia - 148mm, Korovou - 193mm, Lodoni - 229mm, Nasinu - 149mm.
The measurements from yesterday’s rainfall will be released today. More rain is expected until the end of the week, according to the weather centre. National Disaster Management Office acting director Litiana Bainimarama said they were on standby for the moment and were co-ordinating with emergency response teams and other stakeholders.
She said they would go into operation mode if the need arose. Families are urged to prepare accordingly should the need to evacuate arise.
A release from the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts said in view of the current inclement weather over parts of Fiji, it advises parents and guardians to watch the weather forecast closely over the next few days. The ministry has had reports of flooding in the Central Division and that some schools have sent students home yesterday to ensure their safety.
Parents, guardians and heads of school are advised to take all precautions in sending students to school and in opening schools. Where there is any doubt, rather err on the side of caution and heads of school should remain vigilant and be on standby to assist students and parents. Where a school is closed, students should take the opportunity to continue their revision in preparation for exams.
Situation in flood-prone areas
In Suva, at the Wailea Informal Settlement, waters continued to rise during the day.
The Vatuwaqa River which runs next to settlement burst its bank, however residents feared that with the continuous rainfall the situation would make the situation more severe than experienced before.
Resident, Eroni Tuilau, said although flooding was a common occurrence, more rain meant it being severe.
In Nasinu, the Laqere River had also swelled as water covered parts of the road leading to Kalabu Village.
Kalabu resident, Ateca Baravilala, said she had left her home to stay with her brother in Nakasi but feared that if the rain did not cease, waters could rise even further.
Meanwhile, last night, heavy rain dislodged boulders at Edinburgh Drive in Suva.
The Fiji Roads Authority said motorists are advised to be vigilant and use alternative routes. Contractors have been notified to set up temporary traffic management and clear the road.