Trough of low pressure continues to affect Fiji

An active trough of low pressure remains slow moving over Fiji and this is expected to result in heavy rain and flooding.

Please be advised that a heavy rain warning remains in force for the whole of Fiji.

Periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms and localised heavy falls may lead to flooding.                     

A flood warning remains in force for low lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to downstream of Vatukacevaceva to Rakiraki Town and Emuri to Semo Village - Tuva River.

A flood alert remains in force for low lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to the major rivers of Fiji and is also in force for low lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to , Dreketilailai to Qawa River, Votualevu to Nadi Town- Nadi River and Vatutu to Nadi Town - Nawaka River.

The Nadi Weather Office says the low pressure is expected to affect Fiji till today and then the effects of the Tropical Depression will begin.

The Nadi Weather Office says the Tropical Depression was located about 770km West of Nadi at 3pm today.

The Weather Office says the system is expected to track South East wards late this evening after looping and is expected to further intensify into a Category 1 Tropical Cyclone within the next 12 to 18 hours.

The Weather Office says the environmental condition remains favorable for further intensification and the system is likely to pass just southwest Fiji on Tuesday or early hours of Wednesday.

They say that the outer active rain bands from the Depression have started to affect the western parts which are from Sigatoka to Rakiraki.

As the system moves closer to Fiji, rain will become heavy and frequent from tomorrow.

Nadi Weather Office Director Ravind Kumar says as the system moves South East wards towards Fiji, it is expected to track close to land areas and it has the potential to further intensify to a Category 2 or Category 3 Tropical Cyclone because of favorable environmental conditions for further intensification.

Forecasters say Tropical Cyclones have behaved erratically, when encountering land masses, thus the possibility of making a landfall cannot be ruled out at this stage and therefore, the expected system poses direct threat to Fiji at this stage.

They say they will closely monitor this, and alerts and warnings will be updated accordingly.

For Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and the Northern Lau Group, strong winds with average speeds of 35 to 50 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 80 kilometres per hour.

People in these areas can expect periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms and flooding.

For Kadavu, strong wind warning and periods of heavy rain, thunderstorm, flooding of low lying areas and sea flooding is expected.

These expected strong winds will be able to bring down some temporary or loose shelters and also damage crops.

For the rest of Fiji, periods of heavy rain, thunderstorm over most places.

Please note that with more rain forecast and soil being saturated, there is high risk of severe river flooding especially in the Western Division. The approaching system has the potential to produce more than 120mm of rainfall in 24 hours this weekend.

As the system moves closer to the Group, expect periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms with rough to very rough seas in the weekend and could even increase to high seas.

Damaging heavy swells is also expected with high risk of severe river flooding.

The Weather Office also says that there is also chances of land slides.

People living in flood prone and low lying areas are reminded to take all necessary precautions and remain alert and to keep listening to us for latest weather updates.

Meanwhile, occupants of the Natabua Old Peoples Home have been shifted to an Evacuation Centre.

Director National Disaster Mangement Office, Anare Leweniqila says all residents at the home have been moved to the Sau AOG Church.

Leweniqila is urging people to move to evacuation centres while its still daylight.

He adds that all evacuation Centres in the four divisions are now operational.

Leweniqila confirmed that personals are on the ground to assist people.

Meanwhile there are 932 people at 19 evacuation centres in the Western Division.

Situation Report

Rakiraki

In Rakiraki the FSC Back Road, Korotale Road, Qalau Road and the Nasiyani Bridge is flooded.

The Burelevu Crossing and the Savusavu Crossing has been washed away by strong current.

Tavua

In Tavua rain has stopped however Yaladro Road and the Balata Road are flooded.

Vatukoula

In Vatukoula the Tabutabu Bridge and the Church Road Bridge are flooded.

Ba

In Ba the Balevulo Bridge has been washed away.

Rain has stopped in the last hour however the Toge Bridge, Cemetery Road and Kouka Back Road are still flooded.

Lautoka

In Lautoka the Buabua Road, Taiperia Settlement and Lovu areas are still flooded while rain continues.

Meanwhile the Navagadra Bridge in Sabeto is also underwater.