Heavy Downpour Causes Flash Flooding
Various areas in Ba, Lautoka and Nadi also faced similar situations, but these were well managed as Police and National Fire Authority officers were on the ground monitoring the situation.
Sunday 31 March 2019 | 18:15
Several roads in the Western Division have been closed because of flooding caused by the heavy downpour experienced from Saturday night until yesterday afternoon.
Commuters were stranded after heavy rain caused flash flooding mainly in Tavua, including Nabuna flats, Tavualevu Village, part of Tavua town, Nasivi bridge and Qalela Circular Road.
Vehicles were stranded at Rabulu and the heavy rain disrupted bus services on parts of the Kings Road.
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Various areas in Ba, Lautoka and Nadi also faced similar situations, but these were well managed as Police and National Fire Authority officers were on the ground monitoring the situation.
Despite the situation children were found to be loitering and having a good time in some flooded areas.
The Fiji Roads Authority urged the public to be vigilant with the heavy downpour experienced since Saturday night.
“Flooded roads can be extremely dangerous, please do not put yourselves in danger,” an FRA statement said.
“Members of the public are urged to take extra precautions.”
A Fiji Sun team visited Lovu Seaside area yesterday and found that poor drainage caused heavy flooding in the area.
Rajesh Kumar, 47, and his family were stranded on the main road after the road to their home was flooded.
“We have been stranded on the road for one hour because poor drainage and flooding means the vehicle cannot cross the road, except for four-wheel drives,” he said.
“Our home does get flooded too after a heavy downpour, it is something to do with the drainage.”
Arish Chand, 34, has been a resident in the area for the past three months and shared similar sentiments.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Forecasting Centre in Nadi yesterday advised that a trough of low pressure remained slow moving over the Fiji Group.
“Associated cloud and rain affect the country. Forecast to midnight tomorrow for the Fiji Group: Occasional rain and few thunderstorms over Yasawa and Mamanuca group, northern and western parts of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and interior of the larger islands,” the bulletin said.
“Elsewhere, cloudy periods with afternoon or evening showers. Isolated thunderstorms with heavy falls expected. Localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding of low-lying areas. Moderate to fresh northerly winds. Moderate to rough seas.”
Forecast for Tuesday: Cloudy periods with some showers over most places. Isolated thunderstorms and heavy falls likely.
Edited by Epineri Vula
