By Repeka Nasiko in Lautoka
More roads and bridges in the Western Division of Fiji have closed because of heavy rain experienced over the past 24 hours.
The Fiji Meteorological Service announced that a category 1 tropical cyclone, Winston, has been located near Vanuatu and heading south.
According to the National Emergency Operation Centre, 19 roads and bridges in Rakiraki, Tavua, Sigatoka and Ba have been confirmed as flooded.
Rakiraki’s Savusavu bridge and Vunikavikaloa bridge are reported to be both under two metres of water while Ra High School, Barotu Indian school, Dobuilevu Muslim School and Vunikavikaloa High School are closed as a result of the flooded access ways.
The public in Rakiraki have also been advised to keep away from Naqoro flats, Raiwasa mid-road bridge, Nayaulevu Bridge, Saivou Rd and the Vaileka Market which is heavily flooded.
Also flooded are Tavua’s Nabuna Village, Yaladro Flats, Mataniwai Road which is closed off to traffic and Yasiyasi Bridge. All of the areas continue to be monitored by police.
In Ba, Manitawa Rd, Vutuni Bridge and Cemetery Rd have been closed to traffic while Toge Bridge is under two feet of water.
For Sigatoka, Draiba Bridge and Matewale Bridge are both under four feet of water.
“The general public especially those that live in the Tavua and Rakiraki area have been urged to be vigilant due to Tropical Depression 09F causing widespread rain across many areas around Fiji,” the NEOC said.
“A flood warning has now been in force for low lying pocket areas in the western division especially along Rakiraki River including Rakiraki Town.”
