19 Apr 2006

Fiji faced with flash floods

8:24 pm on 19 April 2006

A day of heavy rain has brought flash floods to parts of Fiji.

Radio Legend reports that the main eastern highway linking Suva to Fiji's west known as the King's Road is closed to all traffic.

People are reported to be stranded on both sides of the flooded sections of the highway.

The Tailevu provincial town of Korovou as well as Sawani just to the north of Suva are also flooded.

Heavy rain is now easing but the Nadi Weather Centre has called on people living in low-lying areas to remain vigilant tonight as water from the hills is still flowing downstream.

The centre director, Rajendra Prasad, says the situation could change rapidly during the night.

Heavy rain has also caused flooding in parts of Vanua Levu and caused disruptions to many primary and secondary schools.