Qauia Village in Lami was cut off yesterday after rising floodwaters submerged the village’s main bridge, the only access route in and out of the community.
Residents said the water level was still below the bridge at about midday, however, continuous heavy rain caused the crossing to become impassable by around 3pm.
Mere Sariki, 61, who was visiting her daughter in the village at the time, said the water rose rapidly during the afternoon.
“At 12pm the water was still under the bridge, but by around 3pm it had already covered it,” Ms Sariki said.
She said if the rain continued overnight, the village would be flooded.
“The flooding usually affects the houses that are close to riverbank.”
Laisa Jeke, who has been living in Qauia for 10 years, said the flooding followed a similar pattern to an incident last month.
“This has been happening every time there is heavy rain. Last month the water entered about 20 homes, and now we are seeing the same situation again,” Ms Jeke said.
“Last month the water came right up towards the middle of the village.
She said residents closely monitored water levels during heavy rain, knowing the bridge was usually the first area affected.
Surface flooding was also reported in parts of Lami Town and nearby areas yesterday, with water affecting sections of the main road and slowing traffic.
