NADI, 05 APRIL 2018 (FBC NEWS) —A tropical disturbance TD13F was analysed to the far northwest of Fiji at around midday and is expected to develop into a tropical depression on Sunday.
Fiji Meteorology Service Director Ravindra Kumar said it’s currently near Vanuatu and expected to intensify further into a tropical cyclone as it moves towards Fiji.
It will bring about strong to damaging gale force winds with heavy rain over the group.
He said the system is expected to track South-Eastwards towards the group into the weekend.
Kumar said the system is also expected to further intensify into a depression or even into a tropical cyclone over the weekend and pass the southwest of Fiji either on Sunday or on Monday.
Meanwhile, an active trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain remains slow moving over Fiji.
Kumar said a heavy rain warning is in force for the Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Vanua Levu, Lomaiviti group, western Viti Levu and the Northern Lau group.
Meanwhile,evacuee numbers have significantly reduced overnight in the Western Division with 1748 Fijians able to make their way back to their homes.
On Wednesday 40 evacuation centres were open with 2278 Fijians displaced.
National Disaster Management Office Director – Anare Leweniqila says the clean-up and clearing of debris has progressed well with the damage assessments being finalised for the worst affected areas.
“We have 10 evacuation centres currently activated with 530 evacuees, majority of these evacuation centres, seven is within the Nadroga/Navosa area, three evacuation centres is the Lautoka, Nadi area so you will note that we have reduced the number of evacuation centres that was evacuated and evacuees, this was mainly due to the work that has being undertaken,” said Leweniqila.
However, Labasa and Savusavu in the Northern Division last night felt the effects of heavy rain with flood waters shutting down the township and transportation in the surrounding communities this morning.
417 residents have been evacuated with seven evacuation centres now activated with six centres in Labasa and one in Savusavu.
Of the 417 Fijians displaced, 182 are children.
The NDMO Director is advising the general public to monitor the weather reports, prepare accordingly and brace for more rain expected over the coming days……PACNEWS