Twenty homes in the village of Lomawai in Nadroga were affected by the down­pour yesterday which caused flash flooding in various locations in the Western Division.

Lomawai Village assistant head­man Aporosa Rairibi said they were awakened around 4am by the heavy downpour with waters rushing into their homes from the nearby river.

“We were caught by surprise that the river broke its banks and en­tered the village,” he said.

“The water reached waist level but it managed to recede at 10am with all villagers started their clean up and drying their household goods.”

There were no reports of injuries in the community.

“The only concern in the next two weeks our food sources such as cas­sava will be affected as our planta­tion was damaged,” he said.

The Lomawai Methodist Church shop experienced waist-deep water levels.

The village has 75 homes.

Meanwhile, various areas in Nadi experienced flash flooding includ­ing the town end, and various are­as at the Back Road, Savalau Road, Bukuya Road, and Nasau.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that there were reports of flash flooding received at Semo Village in Nadroga and Mission Road in Sigatoka

Others includes Tavua, Matani­wai Road, Yaladro Flats in Raki­raki and Malele bridge was only open to small /light vehicles as the bridge was partly damaged by the floods.

“We had standby teams with other stakeholders ready to assist those who were affected,” said Ms Nai­soro.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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