Heavy rainfall still continued for the whole parts of the Division. The Nadi River level is being closely monitored, predictions estimate it could peak at 8m at high tide tonight. Water level has risen again in Rakiraki, Ba and parts of Lautoka.
WEATHER FORECAST
An active trough of low pressure lies to the south of Fiji. It is expected to move back on to the country tomorrow. Associated cloud and rain continue to affect the group. Forecast to midnight tomorrow for the Fiji group: Further periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorms. Severe flooding of major rivers, streams and low-lying areas of Viti Levu is expected. Forecast specifically for Nadi / Lautoka / Ba: Further periods of rain, heavy at times and squally thunderstorm
PREPAREDNESS STATUS
All the Divisional and District Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) have been activated. Police, Military and Civil Servants are manning the operation, the Divisional HODs have been briefed on the current situation and they have also activated their Emergency Operation and are to report to the Divisional Emergency Operations if there is a unique situation at hand.
All sectors have also activated their own standby teams i.e. Police Command Centre, Lautoka, DE Works, DMO Health, FEA, Telecom, WAF, DNR, and the Red Cross.
AT RISK AREAS
The vulnerable areas around the West that was at risk from flooding are the Ba, Tavua, Nadi and Lautoka, which have been flooded. The Police had been monitoring the high-risk areas and the general public had been advised not to cross flooded roads and crossings and to stay indoors.
SITUATION REPORTS
Currently, a total of 1,389 people have been evacuated to the 49 Evacuation Centers in the Division.
Ra Province
Water level remains in all areas mentioned earlier. Access roads remain closed. Stranded people in town are all sheltered in the office awaiting water level to recede; and these include 2 adults from Naivuvuni Village; 1 adult from Vitawa Village; 2 adults from Rakiraki Village.
Latest report received from Ra EOC that a family was evacuated from their home from settlement near FSC to Vatumami Settlement; 6 adults and 3 children.
The whole of Ra Province is still without power supply.
Lautoka District
Heavy rain from midday has worsened the situation in the District as floodwaters rose rapidly after the heavy downpour. Rivers and creeks have burst their banks. Parts of the main Kings Highway got flooded as drains gave way rising water.
Natabua Flats, Barara Flats, Sabeto Flats, Lovu Flats, Drasa Flats, Vitogo Naviyago Flats and Matawalu village are flooded from ankle deep to 3 feet water. Moreover, Matawalu Bridge on the main Kings Road is under 3 feet of water. Motorists are asked not to take risks as the currents are very swift.
Natabua Flats on the Queens Road is also risky and motorists are to take extra precautions. Civicivi Crossing in Drasa is under 20-30 feet of water and it is still rising.
Inaccessible roads are:
• Kings Highway at Matawalu village
• Civicivi Road
• Drasa Seaside No 1 and 2 Roads
• Drasa School Road
• Lololo Pine Station Road
• Vakabuli Paipiai Road
• Buabua Road
• Lovu Seaside Road
• Viriba Settlement Road
• Navoka Settlement Road
• Drasa Dam Road
• Johnson Road
• Drasa Muslim Cemetery Road
• Abaca Road
• Vaivai Road
• Vuda Back Road
• Navula Road
• Nadelei Road
• Wailoko
• Sabeto to Nagado Road
• Taiperia Access Road
Nine (9) Evacuation Centers are now open in the district:
1. Tuvu Primary School
2. Drasa Muslim Primary School
3. Lovu Sangam School
4. Isireli Pentecostal Church, California Road
5. Peceli Methodist Church, Waiyavi
6. Coronation Church, Lautoka City
7. Fiji National University Lautoka Campus, Natabua
8. Koroyaca Community Hall, Sabeto
9. Sabeto Sangam School
The Lautoka Town Council has distributed ration to the Lovu Sangam Evacuation Centers
Latest update from Lautoka EOC that Matawalu main road is closed.
Nadroga Navosa Province
Reports received from Nadroga Navosa EOC at 2000hrs (8PM) that heavy rain still experienced the District. Latest update received that the same number of evacutees still remain in Semo Village Hall/Methodist, Navasabasaba, and Lomawai Village Hall.
Prepped Evacuation Center
Report received from the Department of Education that the following schools are ready to open for evacuation centers in Ba if the situation worsens:
• AKP School
• Khalsa College & Primary
• Ba Santan College & Primary
• Ba Methodist High & Ratu Rusiate Primary
• Ba Muslim College
• Ba Sangam College
• DAV College & Primaruy
• AD Patel College & Primary
• Koronubu SD School
• Ba Andra Sangam primary
• Vunisamoala Sanagam
• Moto SD Primary
• Vatulaulau SD Primary
• Balata primary & High
• Tavua Muslim Primary
• Nilsen College & Vatukoula Primary
• Nadalei Catholic Primary
• SD Kanya Primary
• St Teresa’s Primary
The general public of the Western Division have been advised to take every safety precautions possible and sound judgments when moving around the Division as the weather continues to bring in more rain and the expected flooding of more low-lying areas. The Divisional EOC is in operation for 24 hours.