People moved to evacuation centres in Fiji due to bad weather

Fiji's National Disaster Management Office says 192 people have been moved to five evacuation centres in the Western Division, where nearly 40 percent of Fiji's population live, as a tropical storm nears the country.

Fiji police have confirmed that a man was swept away by strong currents and another man is still missing as flood waters begin to rise again a week after Cyclone Josie.

Heavy rain, widespread flooding, and damaging winds are expected over the next 24 to 48 hours.

The Director National Disaster Management Office Anare Leweniqila said the weather system has a high potential of developing into a category one cyclone.

"A cyclone warning has been issued early for the whole of the Fiji group as the tropical depression approaches the country, making people aware of the situation early," he said.

Mr Leweniqila said overnight there were heavy downpours in parts of the country.

Cyclone Josie caused widespread flooding and landslides in Fiji last weekend, leading to six reported deaths and hundreds seeking shelter in evacuation centres.

The National Disaster Management Office along with key response agencies is closely monitoring the weather situation and stand ready to respond when necessary.