Two evacuation centres opened in Vatuwaqa

Two evacuation centers have been opened in Vatuwaqa, Suva this afternoon to accommodate families affected by flash flooding.

They are Marcellin Primary School and Marist Champagnat Institute.

The National Disaster Management Office says police officers are also deployed on site to monitor the situation on the ground and assist the affected families accordingly.

They say members of the public residing in areas affected by the flash floods are urged to contact the Police on 917 or the National Fire Authority on 910 if they need assistance in moving to safety.

Meanwhile, the NDMO is working with authorities to monitor a landslide that occurred at Kula Street in Samabula, Suva this afternoon as a result of continuous heavy rain.

They acknowledged first responders from the Police for their swift action in evacuating the affected family, along with their belongings.

People are being advised to stay away from the slide area, there may be danger of additional slides.

They say flooding may occur after a landslide.

Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area and direct rescuers to their locations.

Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information, check building foundations, chimney, and surrounding land for damage, check for damaged utility lines and report any damage to the utility company.

They say replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding.

The Fiji Meteorological Service says a trough of low pressure with associated clouds and rain will affect the Fiji group till later Monday.

They say expect occasional rain, heavy at times and few thunderstorms over the Northern Division, Lau and Lomaiviti groups.

Also expect occasional showers, heavy at times and isolated thunderstorms over Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, the western parts of Viti Levu from Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki and the interior of Ra, Ba, Nadroga and Navosa.

Elsewhere, cloudy periods with some showers and afternoon or evening thunderstorms.

The Nadi Weather Office says localised heavy rain may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood prone areas.