WHILE flash floods hit the Central and Eastern divisions yesterday causing havoc, the country’s weatherman Alipate Waqaicelua says the condition should ease from today.
In an interview yesterday, Mr Waqaicelua said the Nadi Weather Office was expecting the convergence of the South-easterly and the north-east winds hovering over the eastern parts of Fiji causing heavy rain to weaken by today.
He explained the weather condition causing heavy downpour and flooding of many low-lying areas in Fiji was because of the convergence of winds causing clouds and rain in the Central/Eastern Division.
“As far as the persistence of the rain is ceased, we are expecting this weather pattern to gradually lift,” he said.
“It’s going to weaken off from tonight (last night) and from tomorrow (today) — the ridge of high pressure to the south is going to push everything out to the north and hopefully it will take away the heavy rain.”
Mr Waqaicelua said as long as the convergence of the south-east and north-east winds is over Fiji, people are to expect heavy downpour which may lead to flash floods.
He said low tide was causing waters to rapidly move out from its source.
Meanwhile, in Tailevu yesterday more than 50 people mostly women and children returning from selling their farm produce at the Suva and Nausori markets were stranded in Korovou after heavy rain caused flooding in the area.
A crowd gathered at the entrance to Namalata District Primary School in Korovou Tailevu, waiting patiently for floodwaters to recede before continuing their journey home.
The Korociriciri Rd in Nausori was closed to all traffic as floodwaters entered homes.
Wailoku flats in Tamavua was under water while heavy downpour affected some homes in Nasinu, Waila and some areas in Suva.
The Rakiraki Town was also closed
Minister for National Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu was at the flooded Korovou crossing along with a team from the Commissioner Central’s Office.
Mr Seruiratu said his team would conduct a survey to assess damage done to infrastructure, and if assistance should be provided to those affected by the flash flood.
“We are still trying to establish the areas affected particularly in terms of the movement of the general public — if there are any fallen trees, landslides, flooded areas and hopefully no bridges washed away because the safety of the public is important,” Mr Seruiratu said.
