Residents in Kadavu experiencing heavy rain and strong winds

Residents in different parts of Kadavu have confirmed to Fijivillage that they are experiencing heavy rain and strong winds.

Tropical Cyclone Josie was located 140 kilometres West-Southwest of Kadavu at 6pm today and it has damaging gale force winds with the average speed of up 75 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour.

People are being urged to continue to take necessary precautions as a flood warning is still in force for many areas in Viti Levu especially the Western Division. 

A heavy rain warning is in force for the whole of Fiji.

TC Josie Threat Track Map as of 7:16pm (01-Apr-2018)

There is a flood warning for Emuri to Semo village, Vatutu to Nadi Town , Nawaka, Mulomulo, Votualevu to Nadi Town, Toge to Ba Town, Vatukacevaceva to Rakiraki Town, Nasivi to Tavua Town, Navua Town and Keyasi to Sigatoka Town and Waimanu to Rewa River.

Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Josie is expected to pass near Kadavu tonight.

The Cyclone does not have a direct threat on Fiji based on its projected track but people living in Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Lau and Lomaiviti Group should expect strong winds.

These expected strong winds will be indirect effects from the Cyclone and it will be able to bring down some temporary or loose shelters and also damage crops.

Please note that strong winds are likely to begin several hours before the centre passes nearby.

Meanwhile, there are currently 14 evacuation centres open and they are Lovu Sangam School, Lautoka Primary School, Tavarau Primary School, Tuvu Primary School, Drasa Muslim Primary School, Gandhi Bhawan Primary School, Deshbandu Primary School, Taiperia Evacuation Center, Dratabu Community Hall, Saint Andrews Primary School, Nadi Technical College, Nawaka District School, Narata Village Community Hall, Semo Village Community Hall and Church and Nasivikoso, Wauosi, Nukuilau Community Hall and Church.

Navua

NDMO says that flood waters in Navua town have receded.

Western Division

Sigatoka

Nahigatoka Village just outside of Sigatoka Town is partially flooded as they are experiencing heavy rain.

Nadi

The National Disaster Management Office says that some parts of Nadi Town are still flooded however water is receding. 

They also say that the entrance to Nadi Town from the Temple end and Namotomoto Village is flooded and receding however only heavy goods vehicles are allowed through.  

They say that Police is monitoring the traffic in Nadi. 

They have also confirmed that from Sabeto to Waimalika flood water is receding.

Ba

Parts of Ba town, Yalalevu, Toko, Namosau Bridge are affected by flood waters. 

Police are controlling movement of people as they continue to assist people to move from flood affected places to evacuation centres. 

Residents in part of Ba have confirmed to Fijivillage that they have been without power and water. 

A resident of Navutu in Ba has told Fijivillage that the Vatukoula Back Road is flooded. 

He has also said that the rain has stopped. 

Rakiraki

NDMO have also confirmed that flood waters in Rakiraki town have receded.

Electricity

Power supply in Tavua, Rakiraki and Ba is entirely out. 

The Fiji Electricity Authority has confirmed the power disruptions have been caused by flooding and also fallen trees and power lines. 

FEA has not confirmed as to when power will be restored, however they are slowly restoring power in some parts of Nadi, Lautoka and Sigatoka.