The Ministry of Agriculture is advising all farmers to take all necessary precautions to reduce risk to life and their property as a heavy rain warning remains in force for parts of the Fiji group.  

The weather forecast by the Fiji Meteorological Services reveals that localised heavy rain can cause flash flooding in low-lying areas and those living near rivers, creeks, and waterways. As of the latest weather bulletin, a heavy rain warning remains in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, interior and western parts of Viti Levu including the greater Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki areas and Kadavu.

Farmers in the identified areas are advised to take immediate precautions and necessary preparatory arrangements to minimise damage to crops and livestock.  

We continue to receive reports from many parts of Western Division being flooded as heavy rain continues.  

Farmers living in flood prone areas are advised to move their livestock to higher grounds. Farmers are also advised to salvage much of the crops from the flood prone areas. Secure and safely store planting materials so that it can be used after flood waters have receded.  

Farmers are advised to shift their farm machinery, and farm implements away from flood-prone areas and secure their livestock sheds.  

Farmers are advised to continue monitoring their crops and farmland that are in flood-prone areas to avoid losses once the water has receded.  

Farmers also have to be wary of culverts and other waterways created by floods and keep family members and animals away from them.  

It is prudent that farmers pay close attention to all weather forecasts, warnings and advisories issued by the Fiji Meteorological Services. Farmers are also advised to follow precautionary measures so that losses from flash floods and strong winds are minimised and if at all possible, avoided.  

Please avoid crossing flooded rivers, creeks and drains.

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