03 Jan 2023 | 07:11 AM UTC
Fiji: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Fiji as of Jan. 3
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Fiji as of Jan. 3; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across Fiji as of Jan. 3. Heavy rainfall since Dec. 29 has flooded parts of the Western Division, including Nadi. Reports indicate that access is limited on the King's Highway due to the flooding of several main access routes. Ba Main Street, Manitawa, and Toge bridges, and parts of Rakiraki District in Ra Province are also flooded. Authorities have advised residents to adhere to advisories issued and limit any unnecessary travel. Residents are advised to stay away from flooded areas and refrain from attempting to cross flooded rivers or streams where water is above knee level.
Further rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast over the affected region. The Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a heavy rain warning across Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, interior and western Viti Levu, and Kadavu. Occasional heavy rain and a few thunderstorms are forecast. A heavy rain alert is in place across the rest of Fiji. Flood and flash flood warnings remain in effect for the low-lying areas, crossings, and flood-prone areas within the Ba catchment. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days. Additional downpours could trigger further flooding due to the saturated soil and high river levels.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood- and landslide-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
