Evacuation centre flooded in Kadavu forcing people to move to high ground

The Nakaseleka evacuation centre in Kadavu has been flooded due to heavy rain, forcing residents to move to higher ground.

A teacher confirmed to fijivillage News that continuous heavy rain caused water levels to rise quickly, affecting not only homes but also the designated safe areas.

10 families were accommodated at the village hall as of yesterday, but the teacher says they are being forced to relocate once again to higher ground.

She adds that the situation shows that the flooding is more intense than expected and has overwhelmed normal emergency shelters.

The teacher says that evacuation centres are meant to be the last line of safety, so having to leave them signals that flood levels are continuing to worsen.

Meanwhile villagers of Tiliva in Kadavu have taken the necessary action as they are starting to feel the impact of Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.

A villager who spoke to fijivillage News says they have secured their boats on land as they are starting to experience rough seas.

She also highlighted that they have opened two evacuation centres in the village, the village hall and Tiliva District School.

She adds that four families that live beside the coast are currently being accommodated at the village hall.