Labasa Records Highest Rainfall

Labasa has recorded the highest rainfall received on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fiji Meteorological Services (FMS) acting director Terry Atalifo said 54 millilitres of rain were received at Labasa.

Mr Atalifo said most of the other stations recorded low rainfall compared to Labasa.

Udu Point recorded 31 millilitres,

Suva 26,

Savusavu

13, Yasawa

Group 11,

Nausori 12 and Lautoka six.

He said there was a heavy rain warning for the Northern Division and residents had been urged to stay alert. “For now we have a heavy rain alert for the Northern Division, Yasawa, the Mamanuca Group and northern parts of Lau,” Mr Atalifo said.

“That’s a concern for now and flash flooding is still a possibility since we have been receiving rainfall almost all day in the past week.

“Any amount of rain can trigger flash flooding, especially in flood prone areas.

“But for yesterday (Tuesday) and today (Wednesday) we are just getting occasional rain and isolated heavy falls, but nothing significant so that is what we observed in the past 24 hours.” He said people who resided in flood prone areas needed to be careful at this stage.

“I think that is the only risk we are looking at,” he said.

Mr Atalifo said the possibilities of a cyclone forming were still low.

“In terms of cyclones, the outlook for the next five days is a possibility of anything forming is still low. Next week the Coral Sea can see a few low pressure systems forming. That area is still active, so we are closely monitoring the Coral Sea area.”

He strongly urges Fijians to adhere to latest weather updates.

“Since we are in the peak of the cyclone season, people need to always stay prepared and keep up to date with the weather information,” Mr Atalifo said.

“Once we see things from our end, we will advise the public accordingly.”

millilitres of rain were received at Labasa