Flood warning now in force for low lying areas

A flood warning is now in force for the low lying areas downstream of Nayavu Station and the low lying areas adjacent to the downstream of Wainibuka River.

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

A heavy rain warning remains in force for eastern half of Vitilevu, Lomaiviti group, Eastern Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and Northern Lau group.

Periods of heavy rain and squally thunderstorms for Eastern half of Viti Levu, Eastern Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Northern Lau and Lomaiviti group.

Heavy rain may lead to flooding in these areas.

People are urged to take precautions if they are living in low lying areas as we expect heavy rain to continue throughout this weekend.

An active trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain lies slow moving over Fiji.

A high pressure system to the far south of Fiji directs a fresh to strong southeast wind flow over the group. 

Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain lies slow moving just to the north of Fiji.

Disaster Management Office Director Manasa Tagicakibau said the Korovou Road has been closed from both ends as it is under water.

He said that they will wait for the waters to recede before they reopen the road but in the meantime they ask the motorist and the public to refrain from using that road.

Meanwhile, Rakiraki Town is now closed.

Fiji Roads Authority says this is following a directive from Provincial Administrator Ra. 

In a statement FRA said roads in Central Division are the worst affected where Kings Road is closed due to roads being underwater in some sections.

On to the situation report:

Some areas in certain parts of the country have been affected as a result of the heavy downpour from last night.

According to Police, Lodoni bridge in Tailevu is under water and vehicles coming from Natovi are not able to cross the bridge.

Police say Korociriciri road and Vusuya road in Nausori are under water and closed to all traffic.

In Wailoku, the wooden bridge which goes to Marata Koio village is under two feet water as the water level continues to rise.

The people of Dakuinuku village, Sawakasa, Tailevu have been evacuated to Lodoni village due to flash flooding this morning.

District Officer Korovou, Viliame Baleirara said they are now working with police to assist the people.

He has advised people living in flood affected areas in Tailevu North to move to higher ground or to the nearest evacuation centres as flood waters are still rising.

People driving along the Kings Highway are also advised to take precautions as there are two landslides in Natokalau village, Wainibuka.

Baleirara said the land slide has blocked one side of the road.

Police said the second bridge at Qelekuro towards Dawasamu in Tailevu is currently under water and people must stay clear of the area.

Meanwhile Police are trying to tow a vehicle out that was buried in a landslide at Naivicula Road this morning.

ACP Rusiate Tudravu said there were no casualties during the incident and warns motorists to take precautions on the road.

Tudravu said the Naivicula road is closed.

Meanwhile, authorities are now working along the Kings highway in Rakiraki to clear landslides and flooded areas.

Tudravu warns vehicles going to Wainimala that they cannot cross the Nasele bridge due to flooding and a bamboo tree obstructing the bridge.

Meanwhile, according to the Nadi Weather Office, Suva reported 51milli-meter rainfall, Nausori recorded 177mm, Nasinu recorded 171mm and Dobuilevu recorded 72mm of rainfall since 9am yesterday.