A number of areas and roads in Lautoka were inundated with flood waters after the heavy rain in the Western Division yesterday.

Areas that were flooded included Tomuka, Kashmir, Tavakubu, Vunato Settlement and Natokowaqa.

The weather office in Nadi has issued a flood warning for all low-lying areas in Tuva, Nadi, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki catchments, as a low-pressure system remains slow moving over the country.

A heavy rain warning is also enforced for the entire Fiji group.

Kashmir resident Ana Dakuitoga said the drain in front of her home was always flooded because people were dumping or throwing their rubbish irresponsibly into the drain and the end result was that the drains got flooded when it rained.

Ms Dakuitoga she there had been no action on the matter by the Lautoka City Council despite her many requests and letters.

“Our drain is always blocked, and the water comes right up, almost reaching our doorstep,” she said.

In Tomuka, residents were left stranded for at least two hours as roads leading to their homes were flooded.

Vehicles were able to go through, but some residents had to wait out the heavy downpour and for flood waters to recede.

Flooded homes in Korovuto, Nadi, on March 21, 2020. Photo: Mereleki Nai

Nadi Town

In Nadi, Mate Road in Korovuto, Malakua Road, Tunalia, Arolevu, Namaka, Votualevu, Sabeto and Nadi Town and the bus stand were also flooded.

Oripa Marama Meo of Mate Road said the river near their home would always swell every time it rained heavily and putting everyone’s lives at risk.

“There is always a heavy flow of water that comes from the river and sometimes the water level is above the knee. And sometimes the buses do not service the arear when the roads are flooded,” she said.

Meanwhile, there was also a flash flooding at Plantation Island Resort.

Other roads

Meanwhile, other roads in the west were closed off because of flooding.

In Ba, crossings at Navala Village, Toge Village, Yaloku, Vuqele and Nadelei were closed off.

In Rakiraki, the Katadrau, Drana and Narara crossings were also closed-off.

The Fiji Roads Authority is urging Fijians to be cautious and find alternative routes where possible.

Edited by Naisa Koroi