Farmers in Sigatoka are facing heavy losses after Tropical Cyclone Vainanu damaged farms and disrupted essential services.
Speaking to fijivillage News, farmer Rajnesh Singh of Nasau Valley Road says the Sigatoka River was flooded, leaving farms submerged and causing damage to crops.
Singh says farms have been heavily impacted, but there was no flooding inside homes in their area, and the main road remains undamaged.
He also says that residents have been without tap water, with many relying on stored water in their tanks.
Sigatoka District Advisory Councillor Abhay Sharma says farmers in Nabitu are facing significant damage.
He says seedlings have been badly affected, increasing losses faced by farmers.
He says there was also flooding on nearby roads, including Mavua, Lokia, Taba, Raiwaqa and the Kavanagasau Stable Bridge, making access difficult for residents.
Sharma says several coconut and banana trees have fallen, and in one case, a tree has fallen onto a neighbour’s outdoor kitchen.
He says there has also been a power outage since 6pm Tuesday.
He is calling for government assistance as residents are already assessing the extent of damage to their farms and properties.
