26 Mar 2007

Fiji officials on alert amid continued flooding

4:08 pm on 26 March 2007

Officials are on alert after renewed flooding in Fiji's western division over the weekend.

It is the third time this year that parts of the western division have been under water.

The main tourist town, Nadi, has been worst hit and the low-lying areas are still under water, while some roads and bridges are closed to traffic.

The national disaster management office's director, Joeli Rokovada, says three families are currently sheltering at an evacuation centre in Lautoka.

Mr Rokovada says provincial emergency teams are on the ground to cater for their needs.

"Our commissioner western is providing them with food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And the Red Cross people are looking after them too in terms of blankets and other essential items that they need. The teams working on the ground are comprised of government officials under the coordination of the commissioner western."

Joeli Rokovada says they will stay there to assist all residents in case of more flooding that is predicted for the next two days.