The likelihood of a depression to the west of Fiji developing into a cyclone continues to diminish, but authorities still expect widespread flooding this weekend.
Flooding in Qauia village following heavy rain. Photo: Nancy Naqelevuki/Fiji Village
The system -- TD04F -- is currently about 350 kilometres west northwest of Nadi, on the main island of Viti Levu, and is moving southeast at about 12 km/h.
The director of the Fiji Meteorological Service, Ravind Kumar, says there is only a moderate chance of it developing into a tropical cyclone this weekend, but it is still a serious storm.
The system at around 4:30pm on Friday 16-12-2016 -- TD04F -- Is currently about 350 kilometres west northwest of Nadi, on the main island of Viti Levu, and is moving southeast at about 12 km/h. Photo: Fiji Meteorological Service
Mr Kumar says some parts of Fiji have had about 100 millimetres of rain today, and with the rain expected to hang around for the weekend, a flood alert remains in force for the entire country.
He says people in low-lying areas should decide whether or not to evacuate while it is still daylight.
"Be prepared and take early action so that if they are living in low-lying areas to make the decision while the daylight is there and also to make the move to the safer places if they are living in the low-lying areas that are prone to flooding," said Ravind Kumar.
More than a dozen evacuation centres have been opened for people displaced by rising waters.
Flooding in Fiji due to heavy rain Photo: Fiji Village
There are road closures in the central and western divisions, but the main Queens and Kings roads are open.
The depression comes as Fiji is still recovering from February's Cyclone Winston, with some communities still living in tents.
