Number of areas in Labasa flooded

The Qawa river has burst its banks and this has resulted in flooding of a number of areas in Labasa this morning.

The Nadi Weather Office has confirmed that most places in Labasa have been affected by flooding which includes the Labasa Civic Centre area, Bulileka, Soasoa, Siberia, Wailevu and Airport road.

The water level in the Labasa river is still rising and a flood warning is in force for Labasa town.

According to Labasa Police, Korotari bridge, Vunivau flats, Vulovi flats, Nakai, Nacula, Naduna, Soasoa flats, Vunimoli bridge, Lajonia, Dawaira and Batinikama areas have been affected by flood waters.

A resident of Qelewaqa, Labasa, Sunil Narayan said they were taken by surprise early this morning when flood waters started entering his house and shops.

A flood warning is in force for areas at Dreketilailai station including the bridge at Konasami and downstream to Boubale bridge at Bulileka in Labasa.

The flood warning is also in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Dewala station along the Labasa river and low lying areas and areas adjacent to Qawa river along the Qawa bridge, low lying areas and areas adjacent to Labasa town along the Labasa river.

A flood warning also remains in force for the low lying areas adjacent to Rakiraki river and low lying areas including Naqoro flat, Rakiraki town and Qalau.

A flood alert remains in force for the low lying areas adjacent to Nayavu station and areas downstream of the Wainibuka river and low lying areas and areas adjacent to Waimanu station along the Waimanu river.

A flood alert is also in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Nairukuruku station and downstream of the Wainimala river, low lying areas and areas adjacent to Navolau station and downstream of Rewa river.

A flood alert remains in force for all small streams, creeks and low lying areas adjacent to major rivers for the whole of Fiji.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and the nearby smaller Islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group but is now cancelled for Viti Levu.

A tropical depression was located about 110km East-Northeast of Suva and about 215km West-Northwest of Lakeba at 4.30am today.

It is moving southeastwards at about 23km/hour.

On this track, the system is expected to move over the group today.

This system has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone over Fiji waters.

An associated trough with active rain bands is expected to affect the group till Monday.