17 Dec 2016

No reprieve from rain in Fiji

9:09 am on 17 December 2016

There's been no reprieve from the rain affecting parts of Fiji despite a tropical depression to the west moving away from the Fiji group.

The system -- TD04F -- is currently about 420 kilometres west northwest of Nadi, on the main island of Viti Levu, and is moving southeast at about 9 km/h.

The Fiji Meteorological Service says the likelihood of the depression developing into a cyclone continues to diminish but authorities still expect more widespread flooding this weekend.

There is still a flood warning in place for the whole of Fiji.

Authorities say the concerns at the present time are heavy rain, associated flooding, and strong and gusty winds.

The weather service has advised that the public take all necessary precautions and remain prepared at all times. The warning is particularly for low lying areas and streams adjacent to major rivers.

The depression comes as Fiji is still recovering from February's Cyclone Winston, with some communities still living in tents.

Flooding in Fiji

Flooding in Fiji Photo: FijiVillage

The Disaster Management Office, DISMAC, has confirmed that there are currently 19 evacuation centres in the central and eastern divisions.

Its Director Akapusi Tuifagalele said they have fully manned emergency operation centres across the country except in the north.

The Fiji Red Cross Society said branches around the country are on stand by to provide humanitarian support if the need arises following increasing bouts of heavy rains brought about by Tropical Depression TD04F.

Red Cross spokesperson Mareta Tovata said the organisation was focused on flood prone parts of the West, North and Central division.

"We have started to replenish some stocks for the western branches and we are in the process of moving it to the north as well," Ms Tovata said.

Family affected by Fiji flooding

Family affected by Fiji flooding Photo: FijiVillage