25 Jan 2012

The area of Fiji worst hit by flooding is asking the government to declare a state of disaster

7:11 am on 25 January 2012

The official in charge of Fiji's Western division has asked the government to declare a state of disaster in his district.

The Commissioner Western, Commander, Joeli Cawaki, says reports from divisional heads have made it clear they would not be able to cope with the damage sustained from the adverse weather conditions.

Nearly 800 people have been evacuated as a result of flooding hitting the western part of Fiji's main island of Viti Levu.

Two people have died.

Police have been facing difficulties in some parts as they try to help people move to evacuation centres.

Fiji Broadcasting reports residents in settlements at Drasa Dam in Lautoka are now stranded as the National Fire Authority and Police cannot get to them as the water level has gone up.

The main town in the west, Nadi was under curfew last night and the majority of the town is under more than half a metre of water.

A curfew was also in place in Ba, where floodwaters have invaded the towns shops and businesses.

The Met office says the rain is expected to continue today before easing late tomorrow or early Friday, but it is expected to pick up again over the weekend. .