'Widen Bridge Outlet' says Galoa Village Headman

Galoa village headman Adre Tabuivalu has called for the widening of the outlet of the Nakoba Bridge along the Queens Highway at Serua.

He made the call claiming flood debris from yesterday's heavy rain was stuck in the outlet passage which caused yesterday's flooding in the area.

Flood waters spilled onto the roadside along Galoa Village, leaving motorists stuck on both sides of the road.

"Nine families live in the Nakoba Settlement of Galoa, so they are the first lot of families that experienced flooding," Mr Tabuivalu said.

"We have experienced flooding several times in Galoa and although yesterday's flood was much less, we still need to be cautious."

Mr Tabuivalu said the Nakoba Bridge was too low that debris got trapped in the outlet.

"Families living along the settlement have evacuated to higher grounds where they wait until water has receded and it is safe to return."

In a public advisory yesterday, the National Disaster Management Office urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert and take precautionary measures.

Families on alert

Three families living near the Waivunu Creek of Nakoba Settlement in Galoa, were contemplating their livelihoods after flood waters gushed into their compound yesterday morning.

A resident, Mahen Lal, said knee-level flood waters started entering his compound around llam yesterday.

"We had to evacuate our baby chicks from under our house because it was not safe," he said.

"This was the first time that flood waters entered our compounds, usually water from the

Waivunu creek would just flow past but this time, it entered our compound.

Meanwhile, motorists are advised to exercise caution and drive safely along flooded areas.

'Avoid flood prone areas'

People living in flood-prone areas should be careful and take necessary precautions against flash flooding.

The warning came from the Fiji Meteorological Service and Commissioner Northern, Uraia Rainima, when some areas in Labasa were flooded after heavy rain on Sunday.

Mr Rainima remains confident that everyone in Vanua Levu knew what to do during flashfloods, especially during the cyclone season.

"We have had numerous emergency operations and advised people living in flood-prone areas on what they should and should not do," he said.

"We have even advised farmers living in flood-prone areas to be prepared if their crops get damaged by flash floods."

"Since this is the festive season and long school break, it is advisable for parents to monitor movements of their children and educate them on what relevant precautionary measures to be taken in time of natural disasters," he said.

"A lot of awareness had been conducted and people should take the initiative to keep up to date with latest weather reports."

Weather forecast

According to the Fiji Meteorological Service, a heavy rain alert is in effect for the Northern Division, Eastern parts of Viti Levu, Taveuni, Lau and the Lomaiviti Group.

FMS confirmed the weather is expected to clear by midday tomorrow for the Fiji Group.

"The rainy weather being experienced now is due to a trough of low pressure, the Western Division experience heavy rainfall tomorrow (today) and thunderstorms which may cause poor visibility on roads and flooding of Irish crossings," Mr Rainima said.

He said today's outlook for the Central Division would have heavy showers, which may cause minor roadblocks and flash-flooding.

"The Northern Division can expect cloudy weather conditions, heavy rainfall in the morning and poor visibility on roads. Mariners can expect strong winds in Kadavu waters, Koro Sea and the Southern Lau waters. We urge mariners not to go out at this time until the weather clears," he said.

"The Navua to Suva corridor have some road closures brought on by flash-flooding."

Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) media officer Zafiya Shamim said there were no road closures in the Western Division, however, an advisory posted on the FRA stated that the Queens Road was open to traffic.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACP) Livai Driu is calling on everyone to adhere to the advisory.

"Our teams have visited flooded areas and advising people to take precautionary measures if it continues to rain," he said.

Numerous calls made to the Divisional Commissioner West Apolosi Lewaqai remained unanswered.

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Drivers had to cross this flooded road on December 18, 2023, outside Galea Village with caution following 24 hours of heavy rain. Photo: Leon Lord