A number of shops in Labasa town are flooded and around 300 homes in Nawadamu housing are also under flood waters this morning as heavy rain continues in the area.
Labasa Mayor, Doctor Pradeep Singh has confirmed this morning that flood waters have reached Labasa town and have entered inside some of the shops in the main street. He said that the situation is getting worse.
Labasa Police stations Corporal Vincent Chute confirms many people in the flood affected areas are stranded as all roads in the area are closed.
Around 150 people are now taking shelter at the Gurunanak School evacuation center after flood waters entered their homes this morning. Vunimoli resident Jiten Prasad said flood waters are rising very fast as rain continues.
Speaking from Nawadamu, just outside Labasa town, resident Joe Tudonu said about 100 families had to flee from their homes last night due to flash floods.
The barman from the Friendly North Inn in Labasa, Sanjiv Kumar has confirmed that flood waters have entered all the villas and all the 10 guests have been moved to the Labasa Hospital Hall.
Four families from Bouma village are also taking shelter at the Labasa Hospital hall.
About 10 guests off the Grand Eastern Hotel in Labasa have been affected after flood waters entered their rooms. Hotel Manager Vini Satala the guests had to be moved to rooms on the second floor.
From Nacula village, Dan Ma'afu who lives in a high area also confirms to Village that 8 families have been evacuated.
In Bulileka, resident Birja Nand Sharma said flood waters are receding slowly however the roads are closed and people remain stranded. He said flood waters have caused a lot of damage to crops and livestock.
Soasoa flats, Vulovi flats, Batanikama flats, Korotari flats are all under flood waters and families in the area have been evacuated. The FSC mill area is also flooded and all roads have been closed.
The Labasa civic center and Gurunanak School are open as evacuation centers and families are urged to move these locations if they do not feel secure in their homes.
Several areas are in-accessible for the time being and Police say they will have to wait for water to recede before moving in to try and assist people.
Police say it is now low tide, however water levels in many areas continue to rise due to heavy rain up in the highlands from late last night.
In Savusavu, Taveuni and Nabouwalu, Police confirm that there are no reports of flooding as yet however they are experiencing strong winds at the moment.
Meanwhile, Nadi Weather Office Director, Rajendra Prasad said people should take precautionary measures now as continuous heavy rain is expected in the northern and southern parts of the country.
Feature
Labasa Town Under Flood Waters
