ABOUT 200 residents of Urata and Boubale outside Labasa have been affected by the submerged Boubale bridge.
The bridge has been under water for a week.
Yesterday, Bulileka villager Rupeni Dewala said this came about as a result of flooding caused by heavy rain which affected the Northern Division since last week.
Mr Dewala said children and workers from Boubale and Urata were stranded yesterday morning after they could not cross the strong currents.
"Some of the residents managed to cross early this morning and others have even taken to sleep at Bulileka Village as they could not cross the river," Mr Dewala said.
"The bridge is prone to flooding during rainy weather even making it hard for vehicles to cross," he said.
Divisional planning officer northern Alipate Bolalevu confirmed the bridge was closed and people were discouraged from crossing the bridge because of the strong currents.
"We advise people to refrain from crossing the strong currents for their own safety," Mr Bolalevu said.