DESPITE not making landfall, Tropical Cyclone Urmil brought rain, strong winds and floodwaters to most parts of the Western Division yesterday.
The heavy downpours also forced authorities to close schools across the country until further notice.
Multiple roads and bridges across Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka and Nadi experienced consistent downpours that forced some residents to move to higher grounds for most of the day.
The main town centres in Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki were closed as floodwaters entered shops and public areas, closing off access.
Commissioner Western Apolosi Lewaqai said survey teams were deployed to affected areas while community leaders were requested to monitor the movements of their people.
“Even though the weather report said TC Urmil would not affect us, we saw the impact of the heavy rain across the Western Division,” said Mr Lewaqai.
“So we contacted all of our community leaders, our turaga-ni-koros and advisory councillors and they have informed us of what is happening on the ground.
“There is flooding in many of our low-lying areas and the most important message from us to members of the public was not to make any unnecessary movement or travels.
“People need to remain indoors and heed the warnings of the weather office.”
Mr Lewaqai, who was in the Vanua Levu yesterday, said the situation was similar in the North.
In Rakiraki, Naqoro advisory councillor Sami Ram said the flood-prone Naqoro flats was inaccessible from the morning.
“By midday there was no one moving around and Rakiraki Town was closed down,” said Mr Sami.
“Hopefully this rain will stop by tomorrow (today).”
Meanwhile, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said all schools would remain closed across the country today.
He said the decision was made following reports received from the district education offices upon assessment of the situation in their areas to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and school communities.
“All heads of schools and teachers are advised to remain in contact with their management committees and district education offices to receive updates and guidance during this period.
“Furthermore, all heads of schools, teachers and school management committees are also reminded to ensure that their schools are secure.
“The Ministry of Education through its Disaster Risk Reduction Unit will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide timely updates.”
According to the Fiji Meteorological Services, TC Urmila left Fiji waters last night.
The Category 2 cyclone was located about 670 kilometres south of Nadi at 12pm and was forecasted to leave Fiji waters at 6pm last night.
