Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Rain eases in Fiji

Updated at 5:00 pm on 25 January 2012

Rain has begun to ease in the west of Fiji - hit by flooding after torrential rain.

Two people have died and about 1500 have been forced out of their homes in the rains, which hit the western part of the main island, Viti Levu, including Nadi.

The Metservice in Fiji says the trough of low pressure that brought the downpours has weakened and is now heading north, although it is forecasting more rain in the west towards the end of the week.

The government has not ruled out declaring a state of emergency but says it is waiting on reports from all the flood-hit areas as it assesses the situation.

Chief executive of the Cane Growers Council Sundresh Chetty says his organisation will be out assessing both crops and infrastructure as soon as roads are accessible.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday afternoon rain began to fall in the interior and eastern parts of Viti Levu and local media are reporting that the level of the Rewa River - which runs into the sea near Suva, has risen well above its normal level.

Police say people living in the low lying areas near the river should take necessary precautions now.

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