People of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands should get ready for cyclonic conditions from tomorrow as Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Ella moves closer to Fiji.
A strong wind warning remains in force for Lau and Lomaiviti group and the Eastern part of Viti Levu.
The centre of Tropical Cyclone Ella is located about 370 kilometres East North East of Cikobia.
The Nadi Weather Office says the cyclone is currently moving west at about 15 kilometres per hour. Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of 95 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 130 kilometres per hour.
On this track, the cyclone is expected to be located about
140 kilometres North North East of Cikobia or about 180 kilometres North North East of Udu Point at midday tomorrow.
Weather Office Forecaster, Stephen Meke says people in the North need to be ready for tomorrow as Cyclone Ella is expected to intensify and become a category 3 cyclone when it enters the Fiji waters.
Meke says the people in the North will feel the full brunt of Cyclone Ella from tomorrow.
He says people need to monitor the weather updates as the track is expected to be uncertain when it enters the Fiji waters.
Preparations for parts of Fiji for TC Ella...
Preparations have begun in the Northern Division as Tropical Cyclone Ella continues to move towards Fiji.
Commissioner Northern, Jovesa Vocea says he has already spoken to the Turaga ni Koros, matanitikinas and advisory councillors to start securing their property.
He says all the district officers and provincial administrators have been instructed to get the evacuation centres ready for tonight.
Vocea has stressed that people in the Northern Division should refrain from moving around.
You can call DISMAC on 3319250 if you need to know your nearest evacuation centre.
In Lau,
Vatoa Village Representative, Lemeki Biau says that villagers have been proactive nailing windows shut and bringing boats ashore since receiving the warning yesterday afternoon.
Biau adds that they have also secured the villages’ 3 water tanks and have prepared the school and church for evacuation centres if the need arises.
Vanuabalavu District Representative, Laveti Saurara has confirmed that preparations for Cyclone Ella are complete.
He says that they have been able to visit and help 16 of the villages in Vanuabalavu however with rough seas they have taken precautionary measures and will not travel to Tuvuca.
Fijivillage has contacted Tuvuca Village Representative, Ledua Tupou and he has confirmed that the 180 villagers have secured their homes, village church and hall, and they will take shelter at the village school if the situation worsens.
Tupou adds that they are also storing food and water.
In Koro,
Nakodu Village Headman, Alipate Tiko says they are trying to secure as many houses as possible.
Tiko adds that more than 24 families are still living in tents at Nakodu village, and will move to secure homes if the need arises.
Meanwhile, villagers of Arovudi in Levuka are putting up shutters and securing their livestock as they prepare for the worst.
In Udu Point,
Navunikodi Village Headman Ilimotama Waqanivalu says that villagers have completed their preparations as they continue to monitor the news.
In Taveuni,
People in Taveuni have taken the necessary precautionary measures as Tropical Cyclone Ella heads towards Fiji.
A resident Deo Chand says that people have put up shutters, they have stored clean drinking water and canned food if the situation worsens.
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