Flooding affects Solomon Islands; Vanuatu on alert

7:51 am on 5 April 2016

Villages in parts of Solomon Islands are being affected by flooding caused by two tropical lows.

The Solomon Islands flag

The Solomon Islands flag Photo: RNZI

The first, to the northwest of Vanuatu's northern islands, is bringing heavy rain and flooding to some villages on Malaita and Guadalcanal.

The communities have called for assistance with moving to higher ground.

A farmer, Rose Siku, said the damage to her crops would affect her family's livelihood for several months.

She also said drinking water was contaminated, with most people not having access to tank supplies.

Vanuatu's meteorological service is also warning of the flood risk there, including the possibility of flash floods.

A second low is sited near Rennel and Bellona, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.