Centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston exits Viti Levu over the Nadi area

The centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston has just exited Viti Levu over the Nadi area.

We are getting reports that people in Tailevu, Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatoka are experiencing destructive hurricane force winds and heavy rain.

Please note that the system is still over Viti Levu although the centre has just exited near Nadi.

Winston is leaving a massive trail of destruction.

Many houses have been affected by the destructive winds and some areas are now affected by flood waters.

Many residents who we have spoken to say that they have never experienced the effects of such a monster cyclone.

The system is expected to pass through Viti Levu tonight into tomorrow.

There is a hurricane warning between Sigatoka to Rakiraki.

These areas will get winds of upto 320 kilometres per hour tonight into tomorrow morning.

It is travelling in a westerly direction at 25 kilometres per hour.

For Suva and Lomaiviti, expect winds between 85 kilometres per hour to 120 kilometres per hour tonight into tomorrow.

The wind speed is decreasing in Suva.

This is some good news for Suva.

We continue to monitor the situation.

The monster system is covering a vast area as the gales cover a 350 kilometre diameter.

Close to the centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of 230 kilometres per hour to 325 kilometres per hour.

Please be advised that very destructive winds will begin several hours before and after the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.

We have had reports that some people think that they are in the all clear after the centre of the cyclone passed them.

Many people have been caught out by this.

Please stay indoors and do not come out of your houses as the worst is far from over.

People in Vanua Levu are also experiencing very strong winds.

For evacuation operations, you can contact DISMAC Operations on 3313361.

For police matters and assistance you can contact the Police Command and Control Centre on 9905296.

You can also contact us on 3314766 for any information and assistance.

In Tailevu:

150 families are now sheltering at the Naitutu Community Hall in Tailevu.

One of the residents, Elenoa Roqaranaivalu says four houses had their roofs blown away earlier this evening and power lines have also fallen in Naitutu Village.

She says heavy rain continues in the area.

****

In Ba

Ba is currently experiencing hurricane force winds and we have received reports that roofs of several houses have been blown away.

A family of three children and ten adults in Vatulaulau Ba are stuck in a room as the roof of their house was blown away in the last hour.

Three women are stuck in Varadoli, Ba.

The windows of their house have been smashed up and they are currently trying to block the main door of their house.

We have informed Police in the West to assist them.

****

Drasa

A family in Drasa road are in need of urgent help as the roof of their home has been blown away.

They are currently stuck in their house.

There is currently strong winds in Lautoka and trees are falling in most places.

***

Nadi

A resident from Sonaisali road in Nadi, Pram Chand says that there is heavy rain in Nadi with very destructive strong winds.

Chand says he has gone through a lot of hurricanes and he has never seen one like this before.

****

Tavua

As the strong winds and rain further intensifies in Tavua we have received several reports where families are stuck in their houses as their roofs have blown over and they are unable to go outside.

A family with a five month old baby is stuck in Matalevu as the roof of their house blew away while an elderly couple of Korovou Tavua also need urgent evacuation as they are stuck in one room as the roof of their house also blew away.

We have received similar reports from Drumosi, Kavuli and surrounding areas in Tavua.

Two families are currently in a concrete house after its roof was blown away in Balata, Tavua.

Fijivillage confirms that there are ten people all together and are in need of help as they maybe sheltering under a bed.

***

Man dies in Koro Island

A man from Koro Island died after a house fell on him.

Fijivillage has received confirmation that the elderly man was trying to escape from his house but it was too late.

50 houses have been destroyed in the village of Navaga.

*****

Sigatoka

Strong winds and heavy rain is now affecting Sigatoka.

Satya Kumar from Ulusila road in Cuvu says they are now experiencing the direct effects of the cyclone.

He says there is no power supply in their area.

****

Suva

10 families from Veiraisi, Nadera have been forced to take shelter at the Nadera Methodist Church hall after flood waters entered their homes.

A resident from Veiraisi says flood waters from blocked drains have entered their homes.

Three houses have lost their roofs in Muanikoso. 

The families are moving to an evacuation centre.

A man who badly injured after a corrugated iron sheet from a nearby house hit his leg at Princes Road, is now in hospital.

Three people are counting their lucky stars after they escaped serious injuries when a tree fell on their house in Qauia Lami.

Eye witness Jack says the three were inside when the incident happened.

Suva is also expected to experience heavy rain and widespread flash flooding tonight. Destructive storm force winds continue in Suva, Nausori and Pacific Harbour.

River flooding in Viti Levu is also likely tomorrow.

People living in the low lying coastal areas should take necessary action.    

Stay with us as we will bring you continuous weather updates on Tropical Cyclone Winston.