Commissioner Northern advises people to prioritise safety but schools remain open in the North

With more rain expected, people are being advised by Commissioner Northern, Uraia Rainima, to prioritise safety and take proactive measures in the North.

Schools in the North remain open despite this advisory.

We have contacted the Minister for Education on his decision based on the flood warnings issued.

Speaking in the North, Rainima says they have been monitoring the weather since yesterday as conditions continue to deteriorate.

He stresses that it is dangerous for people to move around in such weather conditions.

A Flash Flood Warning remains in force for low-lying and flood-prone areas in Labasa, and has been expanded to include Tabia, Wainikoro, Wailevu, Vunivesi, Savusavu, Bucaisau, Drawa, Nabalebale, Urata, Nakorotari, Nasekula, Batiri, Seaqaqa and Nasekawa, along with other Southern low-lying coastal areas in Vanua Levu.

A Flash Flood Alert also remains in effect for Eastern Viti Levu, from Navua to Nalawa in Ra, and across Vanua Levu.

The Nadi Weather Office says an active trough of low pressure associated with cloud, showers and rain will continue to affect the Northern and Eastern parts of the country until tomorrow.

They add that flash flooding may occur due to isolated heavy rain.

A Heavy Rain Warning also remains in force for the Northern and Eastern parts of the Fiji group.