Villagers from 14 settlements and communities in the Nadroga province were advised to move to higher grounds as water levels at the Sigatoka River rose rapidly yesterday.
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) issued this advisory as it called on residents to move while it was still safe to do so.
Most of these villages are flood-prone and situated near the main Sigatoka River and mostly along the valley and Kavanagasau Road.
NDMO director Vasiti Soko also pleaded with villagers in Tubairata, Vunaqoru, Tuvu and its neighbouring settlements to move to the nearest evacuation centre.
“Water levels at the main Sigatoka River have risen rapidly since this morning with our teams on the ground confirming flooding of the river embankment,” Ms Soko said.
“The public is advised to move while it is daylight.
“Should you need assistance in moving, please contact the Fiji Police Force on 917 and the National Fire Authority on 910.”
Ms Soko explained that the office of the Nadroga provincial administrator and the police were working together since yesterday to ensure the opening of all evacuation centres in these areas.
“We wish to advise these affected communities to exercise caution in their movement and ensure that members of vulnerable groups are safely evacuated to higher grounds.”
Meanwhile, some homes in Ba and Tavua also experienced flooding in the past few days.
The heavy downpour experienced in the Western Division this week has also left about 30 families in Tavualevu devastated after they were awoken by floodwaters at the break of dawn on Friday.
The Fiji Meteorological Service has indicated that associated cloud and rain will affect the group until later today.
