The Divisional Commissioner West Apolosi Lewaqai has urged members of the public to remain vigilant as persistent rain continues to affect the Western Division.
His warning follows a briefing from the director of Fiji Meteorological Services regarding cloud cover and heavy rainfall that is expected to continue across the region.
Mr Lewaqai confirmed emergency teams have been placed on standby and early warning systems in low-lying areas are fully operational.
While no evacuation centres have been activated and no community has been adversely affected so far, authorities are closely monitoring flooded roads and crossings.
Mr Lewaqai confirmed that recent damage to infrastructure, including a bridge access point to Navala, has been repaired by the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA).
With children still on school holidays, Mr Lewaqai expressed concern for their safety, strongly advising parents to prevent children from swimming in flooded areas.
“We’ve encouraged some of the parents, and of course community leaders, to be vigilant and also stop children and vehicles from crossing or families from crossing or swimming in flooded areas because those waters bring with them a lot of fallen trees that can cause injury and fatality.”
Mr Lewaqai also issued a stern reminder to bystanders to prioritise safety over social media engagement.
“When we see children swimming in flooded areas, it doesn’t mean that you have to take photos and videos, please advise the community to get out of the flooded areas first.”
Mr Lewaqai said police are conducting foot patrols in high-risk areas.
