23 Jan 2012

Fiji hit by heavy rain

5:20 am on 23 January 2012

Heavy rain over much of Fiji has caused flooding on the northern island of Vanua Levu and prompted the authorities to open an evacuation centre in Labasa.

The torrential rain has washed away roads, closed bridges and forced domestic flights to be cancelled.

Fiji media report that sugarcane farms have also sustained severe damage.

Eastern islands have also been lashed by strong winds and high seas.