23 Jan 2012

Flooding in Fiji

11:39 am on 23 January 2012

Heavy rain over much of Fiji has caused flooding on the northern island of Vanua Levu.

The rain has washed away roads, closed bridges and forced domestic flights to be cancelled.

An evacuation centre has been opened in Labasa.

The Fiji Meteorological Service says the flooding is most severe on the northern island of Vanua Levu and some parts of Viti Levu.

Senior meteorologist Amit Singh says farms in Labasa in the north were worst hit. Nadi, where the international airport is located, is affected as well.

The rain is forecast to ease from late Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning.