Worst Flood Ever In Nadi-Residents

Hundreds of homes have been severely affected and all roads leading into and out of Nadi town are now under flood waters.

All roads leading into Nadi Town are closed to all traffic.

Our reporter, Gulsher Ali is in Nadi Town and he has observed that a number of children are coming into town to swim in the flooded river.

He said police is now trying to take action.

More than 1,000 people from close to 500 houses in Nawatekuma and Korociri settlement in the district of Nawaka have been evacuated this morning after the flood water entered their houses.

Nawaka district rep, Kiniviliame Labalaba said this is the worse flood to hit Nadi since 1999 with more people been affected.

Close to 90 houses in the village of Narewa in Nadi are now flooded.

Villager Kalesi Dawai said this is more than half of the houses in Narewa village which have been affected by the flash floods.

Dawai said most of the people have been evacuated to Ratu Navula Secondary School and to near-by double storey buildings.

More than 30 houses in the village of Namotomoto beside the Nadi river are now flooded.

Villager Makereta Bale said most of the people are moving to high ground as they expect the water level to rise further this afternoon.

Bale says he was surprised to wake up this morning and see flood waters approaching their backyard and she believes it will be worse this afternoon when the high tide comes in.

Close to 30 house are under water in Navakai in Nadi as the residents wait to be evacuated.

Hundreds of motorists are stuck on both ends of Nadi town as flood waters continue to rise. In the road leading to Nadi town from the Sigatoka end, cars are lining up from the Jacks Store warehouse near the Nadi bridge to Korovuto village which is about 3 Kilometres.

Former Senator Ponipate Lesavua said the flooding currently being experienced in Nadi Town is the worse he's ever seen.

Around 50 to 60 families in Vilalevu, Sigatoka have moved from their homes as flood waters have surrounded their area.

A resident, Ashok Kumar confirms the lower area where these families are situated is under 3 to 4 metres of flood waters.

Kumar adds these people have taken shelter on higher grounds and are awaiting help from DISMAC.

All Air Pacific flights scheduled for today are normal however passengers may experience some delays as some people are still trying to make their way to Nadi Airport.

Air Pacific Operations Centre at Nadi Airport has confirmed that all international flights are on normal schedule and passengers are advised to contact Air Pacific Offices if they are unable to make their way to Nadi Airport.

Looking at domestic flights, Air Fiji has suspended all its flights to Kadavu, Savusavu and Lau for today, however flights to Labasa, Nausori and Taveuni are normal.

Operations Manager, Drauna Waqa said the suspension of flights is for today and people should contact their office if they are unable to meet their flights.