Vanuatu on watch for floods

Vanuatu’s northern and central regions have been warned to expect heavy rain and flash flooding as a severe weather system closes in from the north-west.

Isolated heavy rainfall with thunder and winds of up to 46 kilometres per hour can be expected over northern and central Vanuatu.

“People in these areas are advised to take precautions as flash flooding may take place near rivers and in low-lying areas,” an advisory from the Vanuatu Meteorology Service said.

The system is about 600km from the capital, Vila, but just north of Santo.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Meteorological Service has advised that Tropical Disturbance 04F (1000HPA) has been located around 13.6 South 166.6 East – about 1200km northwest of Nadi – around noon today (Tuesday).

The system has been described as slow-moving and chances of it developing into a cyclone over the next 24-48 hours are moderate.

But Fiji has been warned to expect heavy rain from tomorrow.