8 Apr 2018

Two dead, one missing in Fiji as bad weather continues

1:17 pm on 8 April 2018
Tropical Cyclone Josie causes major flooding in Fiji's Ba

Tropical Cyclone Josie causes major flooding in Fiji's Ba Photo: Fiji Village

The body of a 12 year-old boy has been found in the Natabua River in Fiji.

FBC Online says the young victim had earlier in the day wanted to go fishing and was warned not to go but it is alleged he snuck away.

On Saturday, a 59-year-old man died after he was swept away by strong currents in Tavua.

And a 67 year-old man swept away by flood waters was still missing, a search for him would continue once the weather improves.

The current bad weather is associated with an active trough of low pressure which is slow moving over Fiji.

Fiji Met Service said the low pressure was expected to affect Fiji till today and then the effects of a tropical depression approaching Fiji begins.

Rivers are still swollen after Cyclone Josie and a week of rain that followed, crops have been destroyed and hundreds of people in temporary shelters.

Six people died during Cyclone Josie.

Cyclone alert

A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for the Western Division, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, and is now in force for the rest of Viti Levu, Lomaiviti and Southern Lau group.

A strong wind warning remains in force for all land areas of Western Division, Kadavu, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby small islands and Northern Lau group.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the whole of Fiji.

A flood warning/alert remains in force for parts of Fiji.

Threat track map for tropical depression expected to develop into a cyclone.

Threat track map for tropical depression expected to develop into a cyclone. Photo: Fiji Met Service

Evacuation centres

More than a thousand people (1,198) have sought shelter in evacuation centres as the bad weather continues.

The National Disaster Management Office said a total of 25 evacuation centres were activated Saturday.

Its Director Anare Leweniqila told FBC news that people sought shelter were from Rakiraki, Ba, and Tavua and did so due to rising water levels Saturday night.

Mr Leweniqila said divisional and emergency operation centres would continue to work throughout the day to help evacuate people as Fiji continues to face wet weather conditions.

Food been delivered to an evacuation centre in Fiji.

Food been delivered to an evacuation centre in Fiji. Photo: Fiji Government