Severe Rainfall Anticipated to Cause Extensive Flooding Across Fiji
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Suva, Dec 26 (NationPress) Fiji is under the grip of continuous rainfall characterized by intense downpours and flash flooding, with weather systems transitioning from the Western Division to the Central, Eastern, and Northern Divisions within the next few days.
Residents in areas vulnerable to flooding are strongly advised to prepare for potential evacuations, store vital items in elevated areas, and secure supplies of food, water, and gas, as reported by Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday.
The Fiji Meteorological Service noted that the western part of the country had a short respite from the heavy rains and Christmas Day floods, but the weather remains dire as a new weather system is set to deliver more rain and exacerbate flooding conditions.
The meteorological agency has issued warnings regarding a second sluggish trough that is likely to bring even heavier rainfall than that observed on Wednesday, according to Xinhua news agency.
Although the rain is anticipated to subside by late Friday, the ramifications of the flooding may endure for several weeks.
Weather patterns are expected to improve over the weekend, leading to clearer skies and a change in wind directions.
Currently, there are no indications of tropical cyclone activity; however, long-range forecasts hint at potential weather developments near northern Vanuatu as New Year's Eve approaches, as per the Fiji Meteorological Service.
Fijians are urged to remain alert, stay informed about warnings, and prioritize their safety.
Moreover, Fiji is assisting neighboring Vanuatu in recovering from last week's catastrophic 7.3-magnitude earthquake that has claimed 14 lives, injured over 200 individuals, and caused extensive damage, including flattened homes and destroyed vehicles.
UNICEF estimates that around 40,000 children are in dire need of humanitarian aid in this South Pacific nation.
A local surgeon, Basil Leodoro, conveyed to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that recovery efforts in Vanuatu may take years.
Fiji Airways resumed commercial passenger flights to Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, on Monday after a brief suspension following the earthquake that struck on December 17.
