Fiji tropical depression: Heavy rain, flash flooding in the Northern Division

Fiji's education ministry says all schools in the country's Northern Division will be closed on Wednesday "until further notice".

The Fiji Meteorological Service says TD05F was located to the southwest of Fiji at midnight and is moving at 15 kilometres per hour.

It says a heavy rain warning remains in force for whole of the Fiji group.

The weather office says a flash flood warning remains in force for flood prone areas, small streams and low-lying crossing for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

According to local media reports, heavy rain overnight has caused flooding in several areas in the northern division.

Permanent Secretary for Education Selina Kuruleca said children need to stay indoors and stay away from flooded rivers and drains.

She said parents should listen to weather updates and take all necessary precautions to prevent any mishaps.

The National Disaster Management Office said due to the heavy rain a number of communities and access routes in Labasa remain underwater and inaccessible as of this morning.

"Based on the current analysis by the Fiji Meteorological Service, TD05F is not expected to develop into a tropical cyclone. Hence, Fiji is safe from tropical cyclone for now. However, TD05F together with the associated trough of low pressure continue to affect the country," it said via a public advisory in the last hour.

"With a flood warning still in force for low-lying and flood-prone areas adjacent and downstream of the Qawa River and Nakawaga River, the NDMO continues to [advise] people residing in these areas to be on high alert and take the necessary precautionary measures when the need arises."

Fiji Police is also advising the public to heed all advisories and call the divisional police command centres for assistance.

Meanwhile, ex-tropical cyclone Osai, now back to a tropical depression, is bringing cloud, rain and strong wind to the Cook Islands.

Weather warnings have also been issued there.