Flash flood warning remains in force for Fiji Group

A flash flooding warning remains in place for low-lying areas around the country in Fiji on Tuesday and warnings have been sent out to alert locals as well as tourists and visitors to the island nation. Weather forecasters said people can expect periods of rain throughout the next couple of days and need to be vigilant to avoid trouble. A tropical disturbance lies to the North of Fiji and is slowly moving South and Southeast for the group. An associated active trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain lies over Fiji. National Disaster Management Office (DISMAC) Director Pajiliai Dobui has advised people living in low-lying areas to be alert of flooding and evacuate to higher grounds if flooding should occur because of heavy rain. DISMAC has sent out a warning to those living in low-lying areas including coastal areas where the majority of hotels are of possible flooding due to torrential rain. "For those living in low-lying areas, you are advised to keep alert of flooding and to move to higher ground if flooding should occur," Dobui advised. He said people must take heed of precautions due to the tropical disturbance, which lies north of Fiji and was slowly moving in a south-to-south easterly direction. The Fiji Meteorological Services predicted periods of rain, heavy at times, and squally thunderstorms over most places in the next few days The public can expect moderate to fresh northeast to southeast winds, gusty at times with occasional rain and squally thunderstorms over Eastern Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Lau and Lomaiviti Group and nearby smaller islands. Parents are advised to be vigilant while looking after their children as many accidents can happen around this time. A strong wind warning remains in force for all Fiji waters and visitors to Fiji's shores whether it be tourists or others are urged to listen to the weather reports before going out to sea to avoid mishaps. It costs the Fiji Navy an estimated 8,000 U.S. dollars per day to send out a vessel and hired aircraft for search and rescue missions in Fiji waters.