The National Weather Forecasting Centre in Nadi is forecasting that more flash floods will occur at high tide this afternoon.
The Acting Director for Fiji Meteorological Service, Misaeli Funaki told Newswire that Tropical Depression (TD15F) is bringing in a lot of rain and more flooding is expected.
“High tide is coming in which will cause more flash flood in most areas. This likely to be the case of today and tomorrow.
The tropical disturbance is located just South-West of Kadavu. Right now the concern for us is the heavy rain and the flash floods it’s bringing,” said Funaki.
Funaki said the heavy rain warning still remains in force for the whole of the Fiji group.
“Well, we have been monitoring eversince that has gone with the heavy rain which is upon us right now. There is a flood warning for most rivers in parts of Fiji, from last night and today most of the rivers are on warning level and some are on alert and the water level is continuously rising”.
Funaki said the Tropical Disturbances is expected to clear by Thursday.
Nadi town is now closed due to flooding, as the Nadi River has burst its banks.
Speaking to Newswire from the Nadi International Airport, Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Spokesperson, Shalendra Prasad said the flood waters have caught the people of Nadi by surprise.
Prasad said flood waters have entered shops from the main street of Nadi Town and the Temple end of the town.
He said most businesses are already closing down due to the rising water levels and frequent power outages.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is advising the general public, especially those living in the Western Division, to restrict movement in flooded areas.
The Fiji Police Force is working closely with town councils to stop people from going to flooded areas. For safety reasons, the Police will also assist in restricting unnecessary movements into towns or affected areas.
While there is still light, families living in flood prone areas must move to the nearest evacuation centres.
(Pic: Nadi Town. Courtesy of Sophy Buinimasi/Na Draki)