Recovery efforts continue in Fiji as schools remain closed following Cyclone Urmil

As Fiji continues to recover from Tropical Cyclone Urmil’s impact over the weekend, the Fiji Meteorological Service warns that residents in flood-prone areas must remain vigilant.

And while Urmil has drifted out of Fiji’s Area of Responsibility and officially declassified as an extra-tropical low early on Monday, the danger has not passed.

According to a Facebook post by Fiji Meteorological Service, the associated active trough (rainbands) remains over the country , meaning "occasional rain, which may be heavy at times, is still expected".

The impact of the cyclone has been widespread. On Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, the power company EFL said their teams are working in challenging conditions in a media statement on Sunday.

EFL are working to clear debris, repair faults and restore power. They confirm that "severe weather conditions over the past 12 to 24 hours, including strong winds, heavy rainfall and flooding, have resulted in fallen power poles, damaged overhead lines and faults on the distribution network".

According to a RNZ report, due to safety concerns, Aseri Radrodro, the Minister for Education, advised that schools across Fiji will be closed on Monday.

This decision followed consultations with the National Disaster Risk Management Office after district education offices reported significant flooding across the country.

The Western Division experienced significant rainfall totals. Between 3am Sunday and 3am Monday, Nadarivatu recorded 248.5 millimetres, while Navala saw 223.5 millimetres.

The Fiji Meteorological Service warns that "localised heavy falls may lead to flash flooding to low lying and flood prone areas".

Urban areas are also at risk, as surface flooding on streets in urban areas with poor drainage can create “wet roads and reduced visibility, especially during heavy downpours, increasing the risk of road accidents".

Meanwhile, a flash flood warning is in force for the whole of Viti Levu, with a flash flood alert for Vanua Levu.

A flood warning also remains active for low-lying areas near the Nakauvadra, Naseyani, Tavua, and Ba rivers.

The Fiji Meteorological Service says "the risk of flooding therefore remains elevated - particularly in the Western Division and more so during high tide periods". While conditions are forecast to ease, unsettled weather will likely persist until Wednesday.

Regional forecasters are also keeping watch over the Coral Sea, where there is a risk of another tropical cyclone developing during Thursday and Friday.

To keep up to date, visit the Fiji Meteorological Service’s Facebook page here.