14 Jan 2009

More heavy rain in Fiji

7:59 am on 14 January 2009

The weather forecast is grim for Fiji, after a further day of heavy rain.

Fresh flooding is expected on Wednesday morning in areas which have already borne the brunt of heavy rain.

Fiji MetService says the situation will worsen on Wednesday with the approach of a new system from the northwest, causing rain and winds gusts over land that is already badly saturated.

Director Rajendra Prasad says the rain may clear late on Thursday for southwestern areas and then over western and central areas on Friday.

But the concern is the rain will continue until next week in Fiji's northern division, where Viti Levu has been badly-hit.

The Nadi river burst its banks again at high tide on Tuesday evening, putting the town at risk of further flooding.

Tayor Timoci Koroiqila says the interim prime minister visited on Tuesday and they're praying for government assistance.

Police say the death toll is eight although not all of the bodies have been recovered.