Pacific

Flood warning as heavy rain forecast in Fiji until Wednesday

09:17 am on 23 January 2012

The Fiji Meteorological Service says heavy rain will continue to fall over much of Fiji until Wednesday, causing more flooding in low-lying areas throughout the country.

A senior meteorologist Amit Singh says the flooding has been most severe on the northern island of Vanua Levu, and some parts of Viti Levu.

Mr Singh says farms in Labasa in the north were worst hit, and families are seeking refuge in an evacuation centre there.

"In Labasa most of the crops were damaged due to the flooding, they also experienced some strong winds. We have heard that a lot of families have moved to the evacuation centres. Most of the roads were flooded yesterday in Vanua Levu and Vitu Levu as well today. Some of the bridges were damaged, especially in Vanua Levu. And we have just received a report that the river level in Nadi town is rising."

Mr Singh says the rain is forecast to ease from late Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning, but will not clear.