The Western Division remains on high alert as heavy rain bands associated with a tropical cyclone continued to lash the region, causing flash flooding in Nadi and Lautoka.
Commissioner West Apolosi Lewaqai said that while the system was tracking northwest, it carried significant rain and gusty winds that had already begun impacting infrastructure and residential areas.
“The track has been shown in the latest update at 6 o’clock this morning, noting that this tropical cyclone will continue to travel north-west but it will be carrying a lot of heavy rain bands with it,” he said.
Mr Lewaqai said in response to the deteriorating conditions, authorities had directed that students remain at home for the next 48 hours.
“The members of the public are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel and must never attempt to cross flood areas under any circumstance.”
Mr Lewaqai said the downpour had already left its mark on urban centres, with several streets in Lautoka and Nadi submerged.
“Our team already attended to it on the ground and we see that the cleaning up has already been done by Lautoka City Council.”
“As of now, no evacuation centres have been activated yet [on the mainland]… some evacuation centres have been activated in Yasawa.”
Mr Lewaqai further advised fishermen and mariners to remain docked, stating there should be no movement at all given the impact of the flood that was experienced.
Mr Lewaqai said his office, in coordination with district officers and provincial administrators, continued to monitor the situation as rain was expected to persist through today.
“Please stay informed by regulating official weather dates and take all those precautions to keep yourself and others safe.”
