The Fiji Meteorological Service says an active trough of low pressure is anticipated to approach the group from later today.

Fijians living along coastal areas should expect coastal flooding as an alert is now in force for parts of the Fiji group.

A heavy rain alert has been issued for Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Western and Northern Viti Levu.

An eight-year-old boy from Tacirua, Nasinu who was swept away by a strong current in a drain yesterday afternoon, is the first casualty from the flashflood.

The Fiji Meteorological Service is urging members of the public to remain vigilant as we are still in the cyclone season.

The new Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management says he has been fully briefed about the situation in the Western division.

Flash flood alerts and flood warnings have been cancelled for some parts of the Western Division.

People living in Ba and surrounding areas are bracing for the worst as the threat of major flooding still looms.

Farmers have been urged 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 majority of businesses in Ba are closed due to flooding.

Access along the King’s Highway is currently limited due to flooding of several main access routes.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, interior and western parts of Viti Levu and Kadavu.