Slow-moving area of active thunderstorms causing widespread flooding in Fiji
A slow-moving area of active thunderstorms brought torrential rainfall to Fiji over the last few days, causing widespread flooding and claiming the life of at least one person. The system is expected to remain over the island nation over the next few days while another round of heavy rain approaches with the newly formed Tropical Cyclone "Zena".
The volcanic island of Ono-i-Lau received 236 mm (9.3 inches) of rain in just 12 hours on Monday, April 4. Meanwhile, 208 mm (8.2 inches) was reported in 24 hours in Nadi, on the western side of the main Fiji island of Viti Levu, according to UK's Met Office.
Video courtesy Fijian Government
72-hr rainfall accumulation by 12:00 UTC on April 5, 2016. Credit: NASA/JAXA/Google GPM
More than 3 500 people have been evacuated to 79 evacuation centers, one person is reported dead and another is missing. The north and west of Viti Levu were among the worst-affected areas.
Flooding in Nadi, Fiji on April 4, 2016. Image credit: Sophy Biunimasi / NaDraki Weather Service.
The acting director of the Fiji Meteorological Service, Misaeli Funaki, said there was already flooding in the western and northern divisions, but that was expected to get worse as water moved down from the hills and met an incoming high tide.
"The whole system is anchored over Fiji, and this is going to be the case for the next – even into tomorrow and into the day after. The trough will remain slow moving over us and that will be dumping in more rain as we look ahead," Funaki added.
At the same time, a newly formed Tropical Cyclone "Zena" is expected to track towards Fiji over the next few days, bringing further 250 – 400 mm (9.8 – 15.7 inches) of rain across Vanuatu and Fiji.
Further disruption to the island is likely.
Video courtesy Fijian Government
Flooding in Nadi, Fiji on April 4, 2016. Image credit: Sophy Biunimasi / NaDraki Weather Service
The Nadi River has broken its banks – April 4, 2016. Image credit: Nadi Farmers Club
Tropical Cyclone "Zena" (18P) forecast track by JTWC on April 5, 2016.
Featured image credit: Flooding in Nadi, Fiji on April 4, 2016. Image credit: Sophy Biunimasi / NaDraki Weather Service.
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.