27 Feb 2014

Fiji Disaster Management urges people to move to higher ground

4:17 pm on 27 February 2014

The Fiji National Disaster Management Office is calling for people in low-lying areas to move to higher ground because of persistent heavy rain.

Downpours since Tuesday have prompted flood warnings for rivers and catchments in Viti Levu, and lightning storms have caused a power blackout.

Six evacuation centers have been activated in the Central division for people who are affected by the current tropical depression.

The government has asked the public to restrict movement and remain indoors.

Manasa Tagicakibau of the Disaster Management Office has asked people in low-lying areas to secure their livestock and properties and clean up any rubbish or trees before moving to higher ground.

"The clearing of drainage, the clearing of waterways, cutting down of trees and clearing of all the debris and all the stuff around the immediate environment. These are some of the basic stuff that we have been advising the public to continue to do over the last 72 hours building up to today."

Manasa Tagicakibau says a national emergency has not been declared, but is possible if the heavy rain persists.

The Fiji Meteorological Office has said the rain will last for two more days.