12 Mar 2007

Four confirmed deaths in Fiji floods, at least one other still missing

3:20 pm on 12 March 2007

Four people are now confirmed to be dead and at least one person is still missing after renewed flooding in Fiji's north and west over the weekend.

It's the second time this year that these areas have been hit by floods.

They've now receded in most parts, but further rain, and with it more flooding, is expected.

The deputy mayor of Labasa, Shivlal Nagindas, says the floods took many thousands of people by surprise.

"Areas around town were flooded four to five feet, some places six feet with water.The weather office is still forecasting that the rainfall will continue. The floodwater has receded, but homes have been damaged."

Shivlal Nagindas says the floods have also destroyed food crops and a major clean-up campaign is under way.