The National Disaster Management office has issued a public advisory to the people of Fiji to take precaution during these weather conditions that we are experiencing around the country.
The advisory states that people who feel insecure in their houses should seek shelter in safer homes or move to evacuation centres before nightfall today.
It goes on to add that those living in flood and landslide prone areas should take necessary precautions.
The advisory states that you must monitor water levels and evacuate if the need arises, you must listen to your radio station for more information and know the evacuation centres in your area and in the event of flood warnings like now, fill water containers and refuel cars, stack furniture and possessions above flood levels, secure objects that can float, move livestock to higher ground and check your emergency kits.
They have also warned to boil all water until supplies have been declared safe and do not eat food that has come in contact with flood water.
The advisory states that you must not use gas or electrical appliances which have been flood affected and you must ensure that they are checked first.
DISMAC also said you must avoid wading in shallow water, however, if you must enter flood water, wear solid shoes to protect your feet and use a stick to gauge the depth of the water adding that first you must check the water and the current.
Do not take the flood warnings lightly.
Nadi Weather Office Director, Rajendra Prasad said people living in the northern division, Lomaiviti, Koro and Lau need to brace themselves for the worst tonight.
Certain areas in Labasa had received 226 millimetres of rainfall from last night to 9 o’clock this morning.
Rajendra Prasad said this amount of rain is received during a cyclone and people should be mindful of the current weather situation.
Prasad reiterates that people living in the northern and southern parts of the country should be prepared this afternoon.
Some areas in Labasa are still under flood water.
A resident of Batanikama, Labasa, Sunil Prasad said they have visited a few areas which are still under water.
Prasad also told Village News that some areas are still closed to all traffic while the Soasoa flats, Vunika and Vunivau Road are still under flood water.
A resident of Vunivau, Labasa, said that it has started raining heavily in their area again.
Roshni Kumar said that they are prepared for the worst.
Nawadamu resident Jack Fox has confirmed that it has started raining again in Labasa but adds that water levels have receded.
Meanwhile, Divisional Engineer Roads Northern, Joji Mote said some of the major roads are open to all traffic, like the main road from Labasa to Savusavu and the road from Labasa to Dogotuki.
Some parts in Labasa are still without power due to heavy flooding.
The Fiji Electricity Authority said the areas currently affected are Vunicuicui, Boca, Vuniyalayala, Bulileka and Urata while power supply is back to normal in Nawadamu Housing, Waiqele, Korotari, Vunimoli and Batinikama.
According to FEA, technicians are currently working on these areas and power is expected to be restored soon.
It is also calling on people to take extra precaution as circumstances may cause any power lines to be live at any time and people are asked to treat every line as live.
