Flooding claims four lives in Fiji

nadi-flooding

Four people have died and one is still missing after severe weather in Fiji over the weekend.

Strong winds and heavy rain associated with the category one Cyclone Josie caused major flooding in parts of the country.

Fiji police retrieved four bodies over the weekend but one person who was washed away in the floods is still missing.

The Fiji government said all schools in the Ba, Rakiraki, Tavua, and Nadi areas would be closed for two days while officials carry out full damage assessments.

Clean-up efforts were underway in the worst affected areas.

Schools in Lautoka will be open but the government advised parents to wait until flood waters had fully receded in their areas before sending their children to school.

The statement also said the Ministry of Education would continue to provide regular updates on the status of affected schools.

Meanwhile, all 134 passengers of the MV Spirit of Altruism have been safely transferred to Natovi overnight.

The ship hit a reef amid engine problems and was stuck just past Levuka during the storm.

The owner of the ship confirmed that a salvaging operation was underway.