More than 200 people are taking shelter in three evacuation centres that have opened up in Serua due to flooding.
National Disaster Management Office Director Vasiti Soko confirms that heavy rain experienced these past few days caused severe flash flooding in several low-lying areas of the Serua coastal region.
The affected communities include: Nakoba/Waivunu Flats, Nakorovou Village, Yarawa Flats, Korovisilou Village, Vunaniu Village and Somosomo Flats to Naboutini.
She says due to the flooding in Serua, three evacuation centres are currently open, sheltering more than 200 evacuees from the villages affected.
Soko says the NDMO reiterates that with weather forecasts indicating heavy rain for the next 48 hours, the situation could worsen by the next high tide.
They are requesting members of the public to move to their nearest evacuation centres.
Soko also confirms that during this period, the NDMO received three reports of landslides that disrupted travel into these affected areas and these areas are Talenaua, Yarawa and Vunitaqala in Serua.
The Director would like to thank the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) for their swift action in clearing access, allowing Fiji Police Force and National Fire Authority vehicles to reach communities in need of assistance.
She adds the authorities have cleared the sites at Talenaua and Yarawa, while efforts continue to clear the site of the hazard at Vunitaqala.
She says they were notified of an incident involving a fallen powerline at Galoa Village, Serua and this was addressed swiftly by the relevant authority, without any reported casualty.
Soko says they are working closely with key stakeholders to ensure assistance is provided to the affected communities.
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