Some Villages Near River Underwater
Flash flooding was evident in a number of areas around the Sigatoka township yesterday.
This was caused by the associated and continuous heavy rain that came with the Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Sarai.
Villages like Yavulo, Nasigatoka, Bilalevu Valley Road, and Olosara were flooded when the Sigatoka River burst its banks.
Alfred Sovea, 53, originally from Oneata, Lau, who has been living in Olosara for the past five months now, said he was terrified by the flooding.
“My landlord, and everyone has been affected like this,” he said.
“Sand has been piled up on the river bank. When the sand is there, obviously the water will always look for low-lying areas.”
Mr Sovea was asleep when his landlord alerted him about the rising water level.
“Water had already entered the house and we will see the damage when the water recede.
Flash flooding in Olosara, Nadroga, on December 28, 2019. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
“The other concern is when the next high tide comes in.”
A team from the Roko Tui Nadroga’s office visited the flood prone areas, including Olosara.
Meanwhile, a number of people had to cross the flooded plains and cane access roads to reach to their destinations.
A number of children were seen playing in flooded waters, while a some supermarkets in Sigatoka, who were not affected by the storm, resumed business in the morning.
Edited by Naisa Koroi
Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj
