Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold

A total of 182,892 Fijians have been provided with relief assistance so far in Fiji’s declared disaster areas after TC Harold.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu while receiving $300,639 worth of humanitarian relief assistance from the Indonesian Government.

The relief items included tents, water, food and towels.

Seruiratu stated that while Fiji was still recovering from the aftermath of TC Harold, it is also collectively confronting the global health crisis of COVID-19 and like many other international countries, Fiji has also taken strict measures in addressing the issue.

He says the assistance shows the solidarity and compassion of the Indonesian people.

Meanwhile, Seruiratu had earlier confirmed that the damages sustained during TC Harold to different sectors stands at around $100 million.

Seruiratu confirms that over 186,000 people have been affected by TC Harold where people's homes have been destroyed/suffered minor damages, there was agricultural loss and houses were affected by flooding.

Seruiratu also confirms that government has so far spent about $6 million in response to TC Harold.

The government has distributed food rations and non-food items including shelter kits and tarpaulins in the first phase of deployment in Vatulele where a total of 261 houses were either destroyed or partially damaged.

The National Disaster Management Office says the first phase was done on the 14th of April.

They say the second phase is ready for deployment and when the government vessel is currently in Kadavu returns, then it will leave for Vatulele.

A total of 81 houses were destroyed and 180 houses were partially damaged in Vatulele during TC Harold.

The NDMO says 34 houses were destroyed in Ekubu village, 18 houses in Taunovo Village, 11 houses in Lomanikaya village, and 18 houses were destroyed in Bouwaqa Village.

The Nausori District Council of Social Services is in the process of collecting data in the Nausori area on the number of people who have been affected by COVID-19 and Tropical Cyclone Harold that assistance.

Project Coordinator, Autiko Daunakamakama says the data is being made available to NGO’s who are providing assistance to the people with food items and other supplies.

He says the Nasinu District Council of Social Services are carrying out a similar exercise and have assisted a families.

Daunakamakama adds that they are currently working with about 20 volunteers and are looking to recruit more volunteers as they will be covering large areas of Tailevu, Rewa and Naitasiri.

Meanwhile, Nausori District Council of Social Services carried out a clean up campaign yesterday from the Waidamu Bridge to the Junction of Vuci South.

The Project Coordinator says while cleaning the environment they are also creating awareness within the communities about keeping the environment clean.

Nasinu and the Nausori District Council of Social Services come under the Fiji District Council of Social Services.

Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu says the government has just provided people with initial response after TC Harold and they are yet to go into the recovery and long term rehabilitation phase.

He says work continues and there will now be coordination with other agencies, particularly Ministry of Economy in terms of allocation of resources.

Seruiratu confirms that over 186,000 people have been affected by TC Harold where people's homes have been destroyed/suffered minor damages, there was agricultural loss and houses were affected by flooding.

The damages sustained during TC Harold to different sectors stands at around $100 million.

Seruiratu says agricultural damage stands at $27 million.

Seruiratu also confirms that government has so far spent about $6 million in response to TC Harold.

He says $3.6 million was spent in the first phase where government had to hire private vessels because of the Suva lockdown and they had to deploy vessels to maritime areas from outside Suva and this was a costly exercise.

Seruiratu says in the first five days after TC Harold, teams were deployed to all major divisions of the country and the focus was on assessment and life-saving exercises and distribution of essential items.

He says around $2 million was used in the second phase and this involved delivery of food and non food items.

The Minister says 65 percent of food items went to the Eastern Division, 30 percent to the Central Division while the rest went to the West and the North.

Seruiratu says the 30 days of State of Natural Disaster after TC Harold finished yesterday.

Seruiratu adds that the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama will make an announcement this Friday and will give further details regarding TC Harold.

The damages sustained during TC Harold to different sectors stands at around $100 million.

Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu has confirmed this in a press conference this morning.

He says homes, roads and agriculture sustained major damages.

Seruiratu says agricultural damage stands at $27 million.

Seruiratu confirms that over 186,000 people have been affected by TC Harold where people's homes have been destroyed/suffered minor damages, there was agricultural loss and houses were affected by flooding.

Seruiratu also confirms that government has so far spent about $6 million in response to TC Harold.

He says $3.6 million was spent in the first phase where government had to hire private vessels because of the Suva lockdown and they had to deploy vessels to maritime areas from outside Suva and this was a costly exercise.

Seruiratu says in the first five days after TC Harold, teams were deployed to all major divisions of the country and the focus was on assessment and life-saving exercises and distribution of essential items.

He says around $2 million was used in the second phase and this involved delivery of food and non food items.

The Minister says 65 percent of food items went to the Eastern Division, 30 percent to the Central Division while the rest went to the West and the North.

Seruiratu says the 30 days of State of Natural Disaster after TC Harold finished yesterday.

Seruiratu adds that the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama will make an announcement this Friday and will give further details regarding TC Harold.

A total of $72,290 worth of relief supplies was handed over today to the National Disaster Management Office from the Government of Japan to help in their relief efforts after Tropical Cyclone Harold.

The relief supplies includes tents, water tanks and generators.

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu says these supplies will ease the suffering of those affected by TC Harold.

He says it also shows the long relationship between the two nations that was forged during the times of need.

Japanese Ambassador, Masahiro Omura says this year has been a difficult and challenging year.

He says these items will enable communities get back on their feet and it also compliments the hard work the Government of Fiji has been doing for affected people.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has directed relevant agencies to rebuild Kadavu Provincial Secondary School and Kavala Bay Primary School in Kadavu that were damaged during Tropical Cyclone Harold.

This comes after Bainimarama visited the schools during his Kadavu tour and witnessed the devastation.

13 houses which included teachers' quarters and boarding facilities at Kavala Bay Primary School were severely damaged.

A few classroom blocks at Kadavu Provincial Secondary School were also destroyed. Bainimarama has also requested the RFMF engineers to assist in rebuilding the schools.

A total of 33 schools have suffered severe or minor damages in Kadavu.

The Ministry of Education has earlier estimated that close to 60 schools in different divisions sustained severe or partial damages from TC Harold.

Minister for Education, Rosy Akbar says they will have to wait for damage assessment reports from all the schools before they decide on where to source the funds from to repair schools such as Bhawani Dayal Arya College that was damaged due to TC Harold.

The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji spokesperson, Kamlesh Arya says the estimated damage at Bhawani Dayal is $250,000 and it could take up to 6 months for the work to be completed.

The rooftop of the double-storey school block was blown away.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has directed relevant agencies to rebuild Kadavu Provincial Secondary School and Kavala Bay Primary School in Kadavu that were damaged during Tropical Cyclone Harold.

This comes after Bainimarama visited the schools during his Kadavu tour and witnessed the devastation.

13 houses which included teachers' quarters and boarding facilities at Kavala Bay Primary School were severely damaged.

A few classroom blocks at Kadavu Provincial Secondary School were also destroyed. Bainimarama has also requested the RFMF engineers to assist in rebuilding the schools.

A total of 33 schools have suffered severe or minor damages in Kadavu.

The Ministry of Education has earlier estimated that close to 60 schools in different divisions sustained severe or partial damages from TC Harold.

Minister for Education, Rosy Akbar says they will have to wait for damage assessment reports from all the schools before they decide on where to source the funds from to repair schools such as Bhawani Dayal Arya College that was damaged due to TC Harold.

The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji spokesperson, Kamlesh Arya says the estimated damage at Bhawani Dayal is $250,000 and it could take up to 6 months for the work to be completed.

The rooftop of the double-storey school block was blown away.

About 47,012 people have been assisted in the first phase of assistance after Tropical Cyclone Harold.

This has been confirmed by the National Disaster Management Office who says that the assistance includes relief items and food rations.

[Southern Lau Group affected by TC Harold]

The NDMO has also confirmed that so far in the second phase of assistance, 20,975 people have been assisted.

They say this includes the assistance that was handed out by the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama during his Lau and Kadavu tour last week.

[Kadavu Island affected by TC Harold]

NDMO Director Vasiti Soko says more than 900 houses were destroyed while more than 2000 houses were partially damaged during Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Soko says 6 vessels are currently delivering food rations, non-food items and water tanks in affected areas such as Kadavu and Lau.

To ensure that families in Kadavu have a roof over their heads in the next few months, the Government will be using fallen pine trees as a means of providing this basic necessity.

Minister for Forestry Osea Naiqamu who is currently in Kadavu says they are mindful that pine plantations in Kadavu are the results of the sweat of their forefathers and in collaboration with Fiji Pine Trust they will set up a stumpage rate whereby pine resource owners will be paid on the pine trees that fell during TC Harold.

The Minister says 300 families from 48 villages in Kadavu had their homes destroyed and 586 more from 52 villages are living in partially destroyed homes.

He says pine trees that have fallen will be sawn and treated and will be used to provide timber for rebuilding.

Naiqamu says the government aims to achieve this with the use 9 portable sawmills currently in operation in Kadavu.

He adds the Government will also start its Cash For Work or Cash for Tree Planting Programme whereby those who have recently lost their jobs due to COVID-19 will have a chance to earn a living by planting trees in their communities.

Trees planted will be counted towards the 30 Million Trees in 15 Years initiative.

He says the programme is funded by the UNDP and is a means of encouraging communities to establish their nurseries and raise fruit trees to enhance their food security.

Naiqamu says the initiative will involve the raising of native seedlings for personal and commercial use to ensure that timber is provided for shelter.

The Minister is urging the people of Kadavu to unite and plant trees for the future of the island and the nation.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says this Mother’s Day, he is especially grateful to every mother who has been an ally in the campaign to help keep Fijians healthy, safe, and secure.

He has thanked mothers spending time away from home serving in our hospitals, and fever clinics.

The Prime Minister has also acknowledged mothers who are keeping their children and loved ones out of harm’s way.

[Photo: Fijian Government]

Bainimarama has also thanked every mother and grandmother across this country who –– every day –– serves their families, their communities, and their nation by instilling young Fijians with values that make our society better, safer, and more compassionate.

He says whenever we’re lacking for love, wisdom, or understanding, for so many of us, our first instinct is to look to our mothers.

In a message to all mothers across the country, Bainimarama says we look to our mums to find the strength we need to endure whatever befalls us, whether that be trials in our personal lives or even the most formidable challenges we face as a nation.

[Photo: Fijian Government]

The Prime Minister says even if our mothers are no longer with us, we can still draw inspiration from the examples they set, and we can take meaning from the lessons they imparted upon us in life.

Bainimarama says he has been humbled –– many times –– to witness the incredible lengths that mums across Fiji will go to see smiles on the faces of their children and families.

He says this past week, as he delivered relief to Fijians who saw their lives upended by Cyclone Harold, he spoke with many mothers across the Lau Group and Kadavu.

[Photo: Fijian Government]

Bainimarama says even through their own suffering, these mothers thought not of rebuilding for themselves, but doing so to gift the next generation of Fijians a better country, and a better planet, than what we inherited –– the same mission that drives his work as Prime Minister every day.

The Prime Minister says for the sake of every mother in Fiji, he will never stop fighting for the future we know is possible for our children, their children, and all those Fijians yet to come.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is currently in Kadavu distributing relief supplies to affected communities and villages.

Speaking from Kadavu, Bainimarama says many children greeted them on the docks with their smiley faces filled with hope and parents carrying boxes of supplies hopeful that they will be able to take care of their families again.

Bainimarama says he saw community leaders filled with hope that they can begin to rebuild their lives after the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Harold.

He says the brutality of TC Harold arrived in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and a crisis already testing the limits of people’s resilience.

The Prime Minister adds that from the many people he met, it has shown him the power of hope to overcome challenges.

Bainimarama says in the difficult months to come, as the economy struggles under the strain of this global pandemic, he hopes to see global corporation strengthen in response to these historic challenges.

The Prime Minister and his delegation will be distributing relief supplies including tents, stoves, water tanks, hygiene kits and shelter kits and food rations to these villages.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama will be in Kadavu today for his week-long tour to assist in the distribution of relief supplies to communities that suffered heavily during Tropical Cyclone Harold.

The Prime Minister and his delegation will be distributing relief supplies including tents, stoves, water tanks, hygiene kits and shelter kits and food rations to these villages.

According to the National Disaster Management Office, 783 houses were damaged during Tropical Cyclone Harold and most of the number of houses destroyed or badly damaged are in Kadavu and Southern Lau.

The Prime Minister also visited communities on the island of Ono-i-Lau including Nukuni village, Ono-i-Lau District school, Ono-i-Lau health centre, the government quarters settlement, and Doi village.

He also visited Vatoa village, Vatoa District School and Vatoa Health centre on the island of Vatoa.

The government delegation headed by Bainimarama also visited Makadru and Yaroi village in Matuku before they left for Kadavu.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has urged traditional leaders of Matuku Island in Lau to support and cooperate with government efforts in the distribution of relief items to those affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

This is in response to requests for proper housing as many houses were destroyed on the island of Matuku.

Bainimarama reassured the people of Matuku that government will provide all the necessary rehabilitation works on the island.

He spoke to the traditional leaders on the need to ensure that government officials serving on the island are properly accommodated, and for the villagers to assist in the building of homes that were destroyed during TC Harold.

Bainimarama also officiated at the launch of the sawmill machine that will assist in providing materials for the construction of these homes.

Prime Minister visited the Ratu Mocevakaca Memorial School earlier and is expected to visit Makadru village this afternoon before departing for Kadavu.

The Asian Development Bank has given a $900,000 grant to the Fijian Government to provide immediate relief to the people affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

ADB Regional Director for the Pacific Masayuki Tachiiri says this grant will be used to provide immediate relief such as water, shelter, sanitary kits, medicine and other essential needs to the people severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Attorney General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has thanked the ADB for its continuous support during these trying times.

Sayed-Khaiyum says they are also working closely with ADB with other programs they have in terms of infrastructure and loan arrangements Fiji has with them.

He says they are also working with them for the 2020-2021 budget.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama today launched the planting of vegetable seedlings as part of the food security initiative in Yaroi Village, Matuku, Lau.

This initiative is aimed at ensuring adequate food supply for those affected by severe Tropical Cyclone Harold.

He also launched the rehab works on the Fiji Pine Trust sawmill in Matuku.

This initiative will help the villagers build back better following the devastation caused by TC Harold.

Bainimarama also gave the villagers of Matuku relief supplies.

He also commended the civil servants in maritime islands who play a crucial role in providing services to the people.

PM's TOUR | MATUKU ISLAND

A sigh of relief this mane from the people of Matuku as the @FijiPM visited the affected areas on the Island. He also launched the rehabilitation works by the Fiji Pine Trust sawmill on the island. #TCHarold. Next stop Kadavu. pic.twitter.com/XswWzKkP8c

— Fiji NDMO (@FijiNDMO) May 7, 2020

More than 900 houses were destroyed while more than 2000 houses were partially damaged during Tropical Cyclone Harold.

This was highlighted by the Director Fiji National Disaster Management Office Vasiti Soko who says 6 vessels are currently delivering food rations, non-food items and water tanks in affected areas such as Kadavu and Lau.

She says the Prime Minister who is on his weeklong tour visiting areas that were affected, is in Kadavu today, distributing relief supplies.

Soko says the Prime Minister was supposed to be in Kadavu yesterday, but due to bad weather, they spent one more day on the island of Moala in Lau.

The Prime Minister and his delegation will be distributing relief supplies including tents, stoves, water tanks, hygiene kits and shelter kits and food rations to these villages.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also visited communities on the island of Ono-i-Lau including Nukuni village, Ono-i-Lau District School, Ono-i-Lau health centre, the government quarters settlement and Doi village.

He also visited Vatoa village, Vatoa District School and Vatoa Health centre.

The government delegation headed by Bainimarama also visited Makadru and Yaroi village in Matuku.

A total of $515,000 has been paid to 406 FNPF members for the TC Harold withdrawal scheme, which is being processed simultaneously with the COVID-19 applications.

FNPF CEO Jaoji Koroi says the Fund’s inspection teams are in Kadavu this week and have started visiting the villages and settlements that have been identified by the National Disaster Management Office.

Koroi says inspection for areas identified on Viti Levu, wrapped up last week and their teams will be in Kadavu until the end of next week.

He also says members who live outside of the areas identified as worst affected, can still access their funds for housing withdrawal if they are eligible.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his delegation arrived in Ono-i-Lau this morning and have begun tour of the Lau Group and Kadavu.

Bainimarama distributed relief supplies to the villagers of Nukuni in Ono-i-Lau which includes tents, books, chainsaws, cooking stoves, hygiene kits and food rations.

The Prime Minister was accorded a traditional welcoming ceremony by the villagers of Nukuni village.

He expressed his gratitude to the people of Ono-i-Lau for the kind gesture shown to the government delegation visiting the island.

Bainimarama had the opportunity to speak to civil servants serving on the island and thanked them for their commitment towards providing services to the people on the island.

He also visited Ono-i-Lau District school, Ono-i-Lau health centre and the government quarters on the island.

Bainimarama also visited Doi village this afternoon and will leave for Vatoa Island this evening.

More humanitarian supplies have arrived from Australia as another Royal Australian Air Force aircraft landed in Nausori yesterday.

The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes says the supplies include generators and big tents for families that are affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Feakes thanks The Republic of Fiji Military Force for helping in unloading and transporting these supplies.

Feakes says this aircraft is also carrying some supplies for Tuvalu.

A big thanks to all of those involved in this afternoon’s flight. The fourth to bring in equipment for the response to #TCHarold and #COVID19. 220 tonnes all up @Rfmf_Media @FijiNDMO @AusAirForce pic.twitter.com/6mUFUd1AAK

— John Feakes (@AusHCFJ) May 1, 2020

Meanwhile the Australian Defence Adviser, Robert Haertsch says this is the fourth aircraft carrying humanitarian supplies to support Fiji.

Haertsch says the first three were C-17 aircrafts and the one that landed yesterday was a C-130.

A resident of Waidamudamu Settlement in Nausori, Mohammed Nazim says he has slowly started to rebuild his home that was badly damaged during Tropical Cyclone Harold.

The 27-year-old says he has taken loans of about $3,000 from his friends to start rebuilding his house which he shares with his mother. He says he is doing this while he awaits the FNPF assistance to come through for him.

Nazim says the roof of his house blew off because of the strong winds while some of their belongings were also damaged because of heavy rain.

He says the total cost of damage to his property is close to $9,000.

Nazim and his mother are currently living with a neighbour who has been generous enough to give him a room in his home.

Nazim, who is a carpenter by profession says he has been unemployed for the past four months because of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

He adds that organisations such as Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji and GMR Mohammad and Sons PTE LTD and other organisations have provided him and other families in the area with essential food items.

Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete, Infrastructure Minister, Jone Usamate, Minister for Defence, Inia Seruiratu and Army Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto had visited the area earlier while bushmaster vehicles and a number of soldiers and Police Officers had cleared debris in Waidamudamu.

Close to 15 homes were damaged in the area.

Another Royal Australian Air Force C-17 aircraft landed in Nadi today carrying 360 GeneXpert test cartridges to enable more local testing for COVID-19 and $402,000 worth of humanitarian supplies to support Fiji’s response to TC Harold.

The Australian High Commission says Australia and the World Health Organization are working together to ensure Fiji and other Pacific Island neighbours across the region have access to high-quality testing equipment to detect and combat COVID-19.

The GeneXpert system can produce accurate results within 45 minutes and allows direct detection of the presence of the SARS-CoV−2 virus, which causes COVID−19, in swabs or other samples.

Australia has contributed $1.46 million towards the WHO procurement of 96,591 GeneXpert PCR testing cartridges and three additional GeneXpert PCR machines, to enable in-country diagnostic testing for COVID−19 across the Pacific.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes, was at Nadi Airport to receive the aircraft, and said the GeneXpert cartridges would strengthen Fiji’s capacity to quickly and reliably test for COVID-19.

Feakes says staff from the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services have done phenomenal work over the last couple of months to detect and contain the spread of COVID-19, and Australia will continue to support their efforts by ensuring the Fijian vuvale have access to accurate and high-quality testing equipment.

This delivery of test kits is one of many expected to arrive in Fiji over coming weeks.

In addition to the 360 test cartridges and 1000 Ceftriaxone antibiotic injections, the aircraft also delivered an additional $402,000 of humanitarian supplies to support Fiji’s response to TC Harold including:

2600 Mosquito nets for beds

200 Blankets

200 Sleeping mats

175 Family tents

10 Chainsaws

5 Generators 8KVA

100 First aid kits

4 Thermal foggers to combat mosquitos

100 litres of Pyrethrin insecticide

5 Respirator kits for workers combatting mosquitos

6 Flat pack 1000 litre water tanks

396 Hygiene kits

720 Tarpaulins

The aircraft also carried UNICEF supplies including tents and WASH kits as part of Australia’s ongoing cooperation with United Nations’ agencies.

The New Zealand government has announced additional funding of NZ$1 million for Fiji following the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Harold, bringing the total response package to NZ$2 million.

High Commissioner Jonathan Curr says the additional humanitarian funding will address immediate relief efforts and support early recovery activities.

Curr says they will be providing the additional NZ$1 million to support the response including relief and early recovery efforts by the Fijian Government as well as Fiji and New Zealand based non-government organisations.

This contribution includes direct funding to the Prime Minister's National Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund, support for the Fiji Red Cross and non-government organisations.

Curr says through the initial NZ$1 million response package, New Zealand has already supported a number of agencies including the National Disaster Management Office through the provision of over 25 tonnes of relief supplies deployed from Auckland as well as funding for locally procured food rations.

New Zealand has also supported local non-government organisations including the Foundation for Rural and Integrated Development (FRIEND), Empower Pacific, DIVA and Rotary.

Six thousand dollars.

That’s how much a family with a combined household income of less than $15,000 will have to pay for a new 24 x 18 two-bedroom house if their house was destroyed during Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Minister for Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar confirmed today that they have worked out that the cost of a two-bedroom dwelling would be $18,000.

She says this means the one-third contribution by the household affected would be $6,000.

A survey by the National Disaster Management Office found that 635 homes across the country were destroyed by TC Harold, with over 2,100 suffering damage.

Kumar says if you take Kadavu for instance, there are a number of yaqona farmers, so surely they will not come under the category of an annual income of less than $15,000.

She says surely these farmers income is much higher.

Kumar says they have to look at how these farmers can be assisted.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Fiji’s agricultural sector saw over $27 million of damages from the immense levels of rain and flooding throughout Fiji during TC Harold while the Fiji Roads Authority infrastructure including our roads and jetties took a $22 million hit.

Bainimarama adds that overall, more than 180,000 Fijians saw their homes, their lives and livelihoods suffer from the brunt of TC Harold.

The Prime Minister says more than 500 homes were destroyed, with many hundreds more suffering damage.

Bainimarama further says as they have made it clear from the start, help is on the way for affected Fijians.

He adds for many, that help has already arrived, with food rations being delivered and clean-up commenced in some of our hardest-hit areas.

The Prime Minister says electricity and water supply has been restored for most of the country and as we pick up the pieces from TC Harold’s wrath, we can again devote ourselves to an enemy that will last far longer than any storm –– COVID-19.

More than 5000 Fijians have been assisted so far during the Malolo, Yasawa and Mamanuca group ration distribution initiative.

More than 10 villages have been visited and assessed on day four of the 14-day trip, the government delegation's morale is high and the team looks forward to distributing and assessing the 32 remaining villages on the three islands.

The Fijian Government will continue to carry out damage assessment works and distribute food rations to those affected by TC Harold.

Westpac has announced that it will commit FJD$70,000 to the Fiji Red Cross to assist people and communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Westpac General Manager for Asia Pacific, Michael Correa says this financial assistance will enable the Red Cross to respond quickly to immediate needs such as food, shelter, longer-term rebuilding and recovery of areas hit by TC Harold.

Correa says they have a long history of helping people and communities across Fiji, in good times and during challenging times.

He says they are always conscious of the important role Westpac plays in the Fiji economy.

Westpac Fiji’s Chief Executive Kip Hanna says ever since the announcement of the Westpac COVID-19 customer assistance package, and following Cyclone Harold, they have received a significant number of requests and inquiries from both business and home loan customers.

Hanna says customers needs to reach out early if they start to experience financial distress or to worry about making loan payments as they are here to help.

A total of 523 houses were destroyed while 1,528 houses were partially damaged due to Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Infrastructure Jone Usamate in an interview with our News Director, Vijay Narayan on our website fijivillage.

Usamate says these figures are from the initial damage assessment but the detailed information will be confirmed once the teams on the ground come back with verified figures.

He says they are now in the phase of detailed damage assessments.

When questioned on the type of assistance planned for the affected people, Usamate says they will first try to stabilize them.

Usamate says the food rations that are being distributed now is for the first two weeks.

He says after the rations are given then assessments will be made as some areas which are badly affected might need the food rations for a longer period of time.

Usamate says when the teams return they will then be able to provide details on what sort of rations are still needed.

The National Disaster Management Office continues to receive support from donors and partners in an effort to coordinate the immediate response to those affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold.

NDMO Director Vasiti Soko says the Australian Government have committed FJD$350,000 while New Zealand has committed NZD$100,000 for immediate response.

Soko says Kasabias donated 5,042 cookstoves with distribution plans underway.

She says Total Fiji has donated $2000 worth of Kerosene for the planned deployment.

Soko adds the French Government have donated 100 family kits which consist of 100 tents of 16sqaure meters each, 100 kitchen kits, 100 shelter kits and 200 hundred gallons of 20 litres each.

The Director says Bred Bank Fiji has committed FJD $10,000 for immediate response.

The Australia government will be providing another $4.75 million in assistance to support Fiji’s recovery efforts following the widespread destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Australia had initially given $350,000.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes, says they will always remember the service of the RFMF Bula Force during Australia’s bushfire season.

Feakes says with this in mind, as Fiji recovers from the destruction inflicted by TC Harold and continues the fight against COVID-19, Australia proudly stands with Fijian families through these unprecedented times.

He adds to assist Fiji’s recovery efforts, Australia will provide humanitarian relief supplies including shelter kits and tents, kitchen utensils, water containers, and personal hygiene supplies.

Feakes says they will also provide funding for the Fiji Red Cross and non-government organisations to help communities repair homes, replant gardens and access water and sanitation.

He says all Australian relief supplies brought into Fiji will be handled in a manner that reduces any risk of transmission of COVID-19.

1,585 people are currently staying in 76 active evacuation centres around the country.

The National Disaster Management Office says 251 people are in 14 evacuation centres in the Central Division, 61 people are in 5 evacuation centres in the Western Division while 1,273 people are in 57 evacuation centres in the Eastern Division.

NDMO says the Eastern Division evacuation centre numbers will continue to change as all boats to the islands have reached their destination and more information is expected to come in from officials on the ground.

Concerns continue to be raised on the exorbitant prices of vegetables after the COVID-19 lockdown and Tropical Cyclone Harold however market vendors say that they do not have any choice as they are buying the produce from farmers or third parties at higher prices compared to the past.

Some market vendors in Suva have told Fijivillage that the prices for vegetables has nearly doubled.

A vendor highlighted that as early as last month they used to get a sack of eggplants from Valley Road for about $30 but now it is costing close to $60. Another vendor also says the price of English Cabbage has significantly increased as they are now getting one kg of cabbage for about $40.

She also highlighted that last month the vendors used to get 12 bundles of long bean for about $25 and now it is costing them close to $50.

A small heap of eggplants is now being sold to consumers for $5, a bundle of long bean is $5, a bundle of dalo is being sold for $35, a quarter of a pumpkin is $4 while a heap of cassava is $7.

The vendor says people complain to them that they are increasing vegetable prices but she says if they do not increase their price they will not be able to make profits.

The Consumer Council of Fiji has also said that it is seriously concerned with the exorbitant local vegetable prices in municipal markets around the country.

Following the complaints, a survey was conducted last week that found prices for produce had increased enormously.

The Council has analyzed the price of some local produce sold during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and found that the price of English Cabbage has gone up by 100%, dalo price is up by 250%, cassava price is up by 54%, long bean price is up by 44%, jackfruit price is up by 25%, bean price is up by 100%, eggplant price is up by 150% and pumpkin is up by 25%.

The council says it is also concerning to see that whilst the prices have increased, the quantity has subsequently declined. For example, a plate of three, locally grown eggplants are now sold for $3, which means $1 for each eggplant. Previously, for the same price, a consumer could have purchased double the quantity of what is sold nowadays.

The Consumer Council CEO Seema Shandil is urging farmers, middlemen, and market vendors not to take advantage of this crisis to deceive consumers and profiteers.

Meanwhile, Minister for Agriculture Doctor Mahendra Reddy had earlier said the ministry knows that there is a shortage of vegetable supply in the last 4 weeks and the supply issue will remain going forward as heavy rain and flooding will affect the flowering of vegetables.

Doctor Reddy had told Fijivillage News that the Agriculture Marketing Authority will move in again to bulk buy vegetables at the borders in Suva as serious concerns continue to be raised on the exorbitant prices.

He says the ministry is conducting its own survey and they hope to make further announcements soon.

The National Disaster Management Office says 783 houses were damaged during Tropical Cyclone Harold and this number could increase as relevant ministries conduct damage assessments.

The Divisional Emergency Operations Centre has indicated that the most number of houses destroyed or badly damaged are in Kadavu and Southern Lau.

[Southern Lau Group affected by TC Harold]

Based on current assessments, 244 houses have been destroyed while 203 houses were partially damaged in the Eastern Division.

[Kadavu Island affected by TC Harold]

94 houses were destroyed while 242 houses were partially damaged in the Central Division.

The houses are located in Narere, Nausori, Tailevu, Beqa and Yanuca.

Minister for Defence, Inia Seruiratu says the Initial Damage Assessment in the Western Division is still being carried out including the assessment on Vatulele Island.

He says according to the Initial Damage Assessment, the Northern Division did not have major structural damages and they are now back to focusing on COVID-19.

The NDMO says they will get detailed assessments from the ground in the next few days.

Stay with us for developments.

Minister for Infrastructure Jone Usamate says around $3.5 million is allocated for the initial TC Harold response which is being funded by the Prime Minister’s Disaster Rehabilitation and Relief Fund.

He says the initial scale of the response will depend on the assessment being carried out by officials on the ground.

Usamate says this first phase will look into damaged infrastructure, distribution of food rations and health services.

He says the distribution of food rations have begun in all divisions.

The National Disaster Management Office says the 14-day ration packs contain rice, flour, mixed-dhal, tinned fish and oil. Meanwhile Minister for Defence, Inia Seruiratu says they will be providing temporary water tanks to islands in Southern Lau as major damages were done to water infrastructure.

1,541 people are currently staying in 52 active evacuation centres around the country.

The National Disaster Management Office says 303 people are in 17 evacuation centres in the Central Division, 171 people are in 9 evacuation centres in the Western Division while 1,067 people are in 26 evacuation centres in the Eastern Division.

All evacuation centres in the Northern Division are closed.

Fiji National Provident Fund members whose homes were damaged or destroyed during Tropical Cyclone Harold can withdraw $2,000.

This has been confirmed by Chief Executive Officer, Jaoji Koroi who says that FNPF will roll out its targeted natural disaster withdrawal scheme this week.

Koroi says FNPF teams will be deployed from tomorrow to inspect and collect applications from members living in areas that have been classified as worst affected by the National Disaster Management Office.

He says it was unfortunate that Fijians had to endure a natural disaster while the nation was still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Koroi says their teams have been mobilized and will be working closely with the NDMO teams that will be conducting damage assessments in the areas that have been identified.

He says the outcome of the NDMO assessment will also include a confirmed listing of households affected in the identified locations.

Koroi says they understand the urgency of the situation because homes and personal properties have been destroyed.

He says they have activated a natural disaster withdrawal scheme for TC Harold, enabling members living in the affected areas to apply for $2,000 per household.

Koroi says this is the initial relief that is being provided to these members and if the damage is considerable, then members can also apply for the normal housing withdrawal to repair or rebuild their homes.

He says members must liaise with their village headman and advisory councilors as the Fund’s teams will base their assessments on the recommendations of these officials.

Koroi says only members who have sufficient funds in their General Accounts, will be eligible for this withdrawal.

The CEO says members in rural communities need to provide a valid photo ID, their bank account details, in addition to the approval of the village headman and advisory councillors.

He says those living in urban areas will need to provide a utility bill as proof of residence, in addition to their ID and bank account details.

Koroi says line with the current health restrictions and strict advisories relating to COVID-19, FNPF inspectors will visit the affected areas with the application forms.

The Ministry of Education estimates that close to 60 schools in different divisions sustained severe or partial damages from Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Tailevu North College suffered major damages while Namalata District School and Queen Victoria School had minor damages.

Bhawani Dayal Arya College also suffered some damages.

In Kadavu, a total of 33 schools have suffered severe and minor damages.

In Southern Lau, 11 schools have suffered some damages.

The Ministry of Education is working on their response plan.

The National Disaster Management Office says they will get detailed assessments from the ground in the next few days.

1,703 people are currently staying in 61 active evacuation centres around the country.

The National Disaster Management Office says 384 people are in 21 evacuation centres in the Central Division, 252 people are in 11 evacuation centres in the Western Division and 1,067 people are in 29 evacuation centres in the Eastern Division.

All evacuation centres in the Northern Division are closed.

The Fijian Government has declared a State of Natural Disaster in parts of Fiji after the effects of Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold.

These areas include Kadavu, Southern Lau, Tailevu North, Korovou, Nausori, Nakasi, Beqa, Yanuca, Nadarivatu, Vatulele, the Mamanuca Group, the Yasawa Group, coastal communities in the Coral Coast and along the Sigatoka River in the Nadroga/ Navosa Province.

This has been highlighted by the Minister for Infrastructure Jone Usamate who says that this is to exercise the powers conferred on the Cabinet by section 17 of the Natural Disaster Management Act 1998.

Usamate says the State of National Disaster will be effective for the next 30 days.

Stay with us for development.

1,837 people are currently staying in 66 evacuation centres around the country.

The National Disaster Management Office says the Western Division has 16evacuation centres and is accommodating 386 evacuees, the Central Division has 21 evacuation centres and is accommodating 384 evacuees, the Eastern Division has 29 evacuation centres and is accommodating 1067 evacuees.

NDMO has also confirmed that the distribution of food rations for families in evacuation centres have started today.

They say this is for those who have been in the evacuation centres in the last 48 hours.

Stay with us for more.

A total of 146 evacuation centres are still active around the country with 1,689 people staying in the centres.

The National Disaster Management Office says the Western Division has 30 evacuation centres and is accommodating 942 evacuees the Central Division has 23 evacuation centres and is accommodating 315 evacuees the Eastern Division has 93 evacuation centres and is accommodating 372 evacuees.

As Christians around the world commemorate resurrection Sunday today, the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma Reverend Doctor Epineri Vakadewavosa is urging all Christians to remember those severely affected by COVID-19 in their prayers.

Rev Dr. Vakadewavosa says he hopes those affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold will find peace as they celebrate Easter with families and loved ones beside them.

He says Easter is about remembering the sacrifice Jesus Christ did for the whole world. He adds it is also the time to remind people that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he loves everyone equally.

Reverend Vakadewavosa says for the Holy week, church services are cancelled but it can be live-streamed on social media so that people abide by the law.

Meanwhile, for the first time in Fiji, thousands of Christians are spending the Easter holiday at home with their families with the traditional large congregation sermons replaced with live-streamed services.

Easter services that are usually held at different churches around the country are now being held within households as many denominations are live streaming sermons on their social media pages.

This is due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama celebrating Easter Church Service at his residence with Talatala Jo of Correction Service and CO Golan Ben Naliva with his family in Suva, CO 3FIR Rocky and his family, PSO Tagi and his family and Masada team. [Image: PM Bainimarama]

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says that teams from the National Disaster Management Office will start distributing ration packs from today in areas that have been impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Bainimarama says Fijians whose homes were seriously damaged or destroyed will be eligible for FNPF relief assistance and more details will be released soon.

The Prime Minister adds that as of yesterday there were no new cases of COVID-19 in Fiji.

Bainimarama says that the 8pm-5am national curfew remains in place, social gatherings are banned and adds that all rule violators will be arrested.

He is urging people to cooperate with health officials if officials ask to take peoples temperature.

A 66-year-old man from Kadavu has been confirmed as the first fatality from severe Tropical Cyclone Harold.

The Director of National Disaster Management Office, Vasiti Soko says this is an unfortunate incident as the man was trying to escape from his farmhouse in Namajiu Village, Kadavu.

A 12-year-old boy also required medical evacuation to Suva after sustaining serious injuries during the cyclone.

Soko says due to the current lockdown in Suva, they will not send any first responders from Suva hence that is why they are releasing their teams from outside Suva.

She adds they are currently finalizing the response and early recovery plans.

Meanwhile, Soko says after the Initial Damage Assessment, 244 houses were destroyed in the Eastern Division while 203 houses were partially damaged.

94 houses were destroyed in the Central Division while 242 houses was partially damaged.

The initial damage assessment in the Western Division is still being carried out including the assessment on Vatulele Island while the Northern assessment has just been completed.

A total of 244 houses were destroyed while 203 houses were partially damaged in the Eastern Division due to severe Tropical Cyclone Harold.

The National Disaster Management Office says 94 houses were destroyed in the Central Division while 242 houses were partially damaged.

NDMO says the initial damage assessment in the Western Division is still being carried out while the assessment in the Northern Division has just been completed.

Meanwhile, a total of 155 evacuation centres are still active around the country with 1,991 people staying in the centres.

NDMO says the Western Division has 36 evacuation centres and is accommodating 983 evacuees, the Central Division has 26 evacuation centres and is accommodating 636 evacuees, the Eastern Division has 93 evacuation centres and is accommodating 372 evacuees.

All evacuation centres in the Northern Division are closed and all evacuees have returned to their homes.

A total of 155 evacuation centres are still active around the country with 1,991 people staying in the centres.

The National Disaster Management Office says the Western Division has 36 evacuation centres and is accommodating 983 evacuees, the Central Division has 26 evacuation centres and is accommodating 636 evacuees, the Eastern Division has 93 evacuation centres and is accommodating 372 evacuees.

All evacuation centres in the Northern Division are closed and all evacuees have returned to their homes.

2,381 people are currently staying in 125 evacuation centres around the country.

The National Disaster Management Office says this figure does not include the evacuation centres from the Eastern Division as they are having trouble contacting their team on the ground.

All evacuation centres in the Northern Division are closed and all evacuees have returned to their homes.

Aerial photos from a survey conducted by New Zealand aircraft P3 Orion has revealed the trail of destruction left behind by Tropical Cyclone Harold in Kadavu and Southern Lau.

[Lau Group Photo: Royal New Zealand Air Force]

Images show houses left destroyed in the villages of Nalotu, Matasawalevu, Vabea, and Tiliva in Kadavu.

In Southern Lau, Matuku Health Centre was destroyed while homes nearby had rooftops blown away by strong winds.

[Kadavu Island Photo: Royal New Zealand Air Force]

The latest aerial photos from a survey conducted by New Zealand aircraft P3 Orion has revealed the trail of destruction left behind by Tropical Cyclone Harold in Kadavu and Southern Lau.

These aerial photos were taken yesterday.

Images show houses left destroyed in the villages of Nalotu, Matasawalevu, Vabea, and Tiliva in Kadavu.

In Southern Lau, Matuku Health Centre was destroyed while homes nearby had rooftops blown away by strong winds.

[Lau Group Photo: Royal New Zealand Air Force]

[Kadavu Island Photo: Royal New Zealand Air Force]

6,240 people are currently staying in 197 evacuation centres around the country.

This has been confirmed by the National Disaster Management Office Director, Vasiti Soko who says that the Eastern Division is the worst affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Soko says this is evident as they have lost all communications with Kadavu.

She says that a team has been deployed to Kadavu this morning with equipment that will allow the NDMO to communicate with the people on the ground.

New Zealand has provided an E3 Orion Aircraft to take aerial images of the affected areas.

Some houses are also badly damaged in Narere, Nakasi, Nausori, Tailevu, Sigatoka and Lau.

She says the initial damage assessment teams have been sent to other parts of the country that have sustained damages.

1,829 evacuees are sheltering in 62 evacuation centres in the Central Division, 1,034 are in 33 evacuation centres in the Eastern Division, 80 evacuation centres are active in the Western Division with 2,749 evacuees while 628 evacuees are sheltering in 33 evacuation centres.

Chief Medical Adviser, Doctor Jemesa Tudravu says 25 they have received reports of 25 people having 25 minor injuries during the cyclone.

Tudravu says a severe case from Vusuya, Nausori was transferred to CWM hospital yesterday for an emergency operation to the upper limb.

He says they will be looking at restoration of health facilities that have been affected.

A number of jetties in the outer islands have sustained damages during Tropical Cyclone Harold.

The Koro Jetty causeway has washed away and the Fiji Roads Authority is currently assessing the requirements to reconstruct.

The causeway at Moala Jetty has also washed away and the Jetty structure has been severely damaged.

The causeway at Cicia Jetty has also washed away.

Both Queens and Kings Highways are open.

However, several roads have lane restrictions around Viti Levu due to fallen trees and debris.

The FRA says road users should be mindful of the road conditions and their workmen and heavy machinery.

Villagers of Vatukarasa in Sigatoka were up early this morning to recover what was left of their crops and check their houses after TC Harold hit them yesterday.

Fozia Bibi a resident of Vatukarasa says the aftermath of TC Harold was evident throughout the village as the village was filled with debris and crops had been uprooted.

Bibi says the men in the village had gone with wheelbarrows to recover the uprooted crops this morning.

Residents of Nabitu Settlement in Sigatoka are still in shock after the destruction caused by Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Speaking to Fijivillage Nabitu Priest Abhay Sharma says TC Harold brought in destruction that was never felt before by the people of Nabitu.

Sharma says they are more devastated about their farms been destroyed as they are heavily dependent on it as a source of food.

He says for the next few months, food will be a big worry for them.

Sharma says their area currently looking like a desert.

Sharma says that some families that had their houses destroyed are are now sheltering in the evacuation centre.

Villagers of Taunovo in Vatulele say Tropical Cyclone Harold did far more damage than Cyclone Oscar that badly affected the villagers back in 1983.

Taunovo Villager, Lepani Tuwai says they are picking up the pieces of what’s left of their homes and crops after Harold hit them hard yesterday.

He says out of the 40 houses, only 5 houses are left in their village and their crops are destroyed.

He says they were first hit with tidal waves at around 11am yesterday then there was non stop rain and strong winds.

The repair work at the damaged Bhawani Dayal Arya College could cost up to $250,000 as the new structure will have to be constructed to be prepared for a Category 5 cyclone according to the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji.

Two classrooms and a prayer room of Bhawani Dayal Arya College were damaged yesterday by strong winds brought in by Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Sabha Media Relations Officer, Kamlesh Arya has confirmed this and says that given the weather conditions and the Coronavirus social distancing requirements, commencement and completion of reconstruction works will not be possible given that the second term is expected to begin on the 20th of April.

Arya says affected students will either have to be distributed to other same year clusters or use spare rooms.

He says the whole roof structure of the North Wing of the school was destroyed. Arya adds tenders to reconstruct the roof will be called once the Ministry of Education’s Asset Management Team has done the assessment and has advised them of the finances.

About 10 houses in Navosai in Nasinu were ravaged by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Most of the houses had their rooftops blown away.

Affected families we spoke to say that all of this happened in the space of 5 minutes.

Many of them got a rude awakening yesterday.

They all say “we are grateful to be alive”

The Fiji Roads Authority has confirmed Queens and Kings Highways are open.

However, several roads have lane restrictions around Viti Levu due to fallen trees and debris.

Edinburgh Drive and Ratu Mara Road are now open to all traffic.

Princes Road at Sawani is open with single lane restriction due to a river-slip.

Naqali

Waisomo Crossing in Nabukaluka Delailasikau in Naqali is closed as the crossing has washed out.

In Naqali, Wainamoli Crossing in Lomai Village Road, Waidradra Crossing in Vatulili Road, Waitakala Crossing in Viria Road, Waila Crossing in Nataveya Road, Waima Crossing in Nairukuruku Road are closed as the crossings are flooded while Vunidawa Road is restricted to single lane due to a fallen bamboo tree.

Western Division

Several roads in the Western Division are closed as well.

Nadi

Denarau Road in Nadi is closed as a tree has fallen on the road.

Maqalevu Road, Mate Road, Arolevu Road, Chu-ni Lal Road in Nadi are also closed due to flooding.

Navilawa Rd and Savalau Rd in Nadi are only accessible for 4x4 vehicles only as the crossing has washed out or is approaching washout.

Rakiraki and Ba

Main Street Ba Town is now open.

Dreketi Road, Narara, Korotale Road, Vatukacevaceva, Barotu Road, Banisoqosoqo Crossing, Vitiri Crossing, Burenitu Crossing, Narara Crossing Drana Crossing in Korotale Valley Road, Rakiraki Access Road in FSC Road, Savusavu Crossing in Lawaki Road, Vunikavikaloa Crossing, Katudrau Crossing and Waimari Flat in Rakiraki are closed because of flooding.

In Ba, Koroqaqa Village Crossing, Vunisamaloa Road, Nabuna Flat, Tavualevu Bridge Area on Kings Road, Navala Crossing 1, Naboutolu Crossing 1, Koronubu Road, Koroboya Crossing1 and 2, Marinitawa Crossing, Vatawai Crossing, Balevuto Crossing in Balevuto Village Road, Babriban Crossing, Toge Crossing, Navala Crossing and Yaloku Crossing in Navala Street, Lakalaka Crossing, Vuqele Crossing in Nadelei Road, Dramasi Crossing 3 in Dramasi Road, Vitivanua Crossing in Naseyani, Dramasi Crossing 1 and 2, Balata Flat Area in Nadarivatu Road, Varadoli Back Road Crossing in Varadoli, ÆVaradoli Cemetery Crossing in Cemetery Road, Navala Junction on Koronubu Road, Nabutautau Village Road, Nadelei 3rd and 4th Crossing, Masimasi Crossing and Yaladro Road in Yaladro, Rukuruku Village Road and Mataniwai Crossing are closed due to flooding.

In the North Division, Bucalevu Crossing on Bucalevu Road in Navakaka, Savusavu, Wairiki Crossing on Navakuru Road in Suweni, Labasa and Zailav Crossing on Zailav Road, in Natua, Seaqaqa are closed due to flooding.

The Authority is trying to contact Moala and Kadavu.

FRA have also confirmed that the causeway washout at Cicia Jetty has washed out while Cicia Coastal Road is partly affected and is only accessible by 4 wheel drive.

Tens of thousands of people across the country with the majority in the Central and Western Divisions are still without power supply today.

These people have been with power supply since Wednesday.

Energy Fiji Limited has released tentative restoration times for areas around country still without power due to fallen power poles, fallen power lines and damage to other power infrastructure.

CEO Hasmukh Patel stresses that these timelines are tentative and subject to change due to the weather condition, access to affected areas and the extent of damage to the power network.

Patel says they have teams outside the lockdown area.

This means it is a smaller team and it will take time to restore power.

He says, of course, they prepare for natural disasters but people have to understand that there will always be some damage.

Nausori

Only 15 percent of the areas in Nausori have their power supply restored at this stage and Energy Fiji Limited says areas still affected will have power supply progressively restored from Monday.

The areas still without power in Nausori are Koronivia Road, Waila Road, Navuso, the whole of Baulevu Road in Muaniweni, the whole of Kasavu, Tailevu, the whole of Sawani Serea Road from the Junction of Princes Road, Buiduna, Naqeledamu, Lakena no 1 Hill, Vusuya, Waituri Settlement, Veiwalai, Raralevu Road, Dravo, Matanikorobau Road, Mokani Village, the whole of Caucata Road, the whole of Toga Rewa, Koronivia Road, Yako Place, Naulu Junction, Dilo Street, Rewa Delta.

Lami

Areas still without power supply in Lami can expect restoration to progressively start from Monday.

Only 20% of the power supply has been restored in Lami.

Lami Industrial, Lami Village Road, Junction of 7th Day Adventist School on Queens Highway, Delainavesi Road, Naicobocobo Road and from Lami Town till Wailekutu Creek are still without power.

Nasinu

80% of the areas in Nasinu have their power supply restored and areas still affected can expect power supply progressively restored from today.

Areas still without power in Nasinu are part of Kalokalo Cresent, Neela Place, Peela Place, Karobo Road, Matanisiga Street, Shaam Place, Sabera Place, Sukanaivalu Road, Sagali Raod, Wainunu Road, Wainubuku Road, Nasese Settlement, Wainibuku Road, Sarava Road, Wally Mohammed Subdivision, Kanace Road, Nuqa Place and Tivi Place.

Suva

85% of areas in Suva have power supply restored and areas still affected can expect progressive restoration from today.

In Suva, part of Ratu Mara Road from Samabula Traffic lights till Nabua Traffic Lights including part of Raiwasa Road from Ratu Mara Road Junction till Grantham Road Junction including Shalimar Street are still without power.

Navua, Pacific Harbour and Deuba

People living in Navua, Pacific Harbour and Deuba will have their power supply progressively restored from Monday.

The power supply has been restored to 30% of the areas in Navua, Pacific Harbour and Deuba.

The areas still affected include Deuba Bridge till Matanipusi Hills, Naitonitoni, Vakabalea, Waidradra, Fiji, Calia Road, Tokotoko, Navua Health Centre, Mau Village Namosi, Wainadoi.

Korovou

EFL has so far restored power supply to Korovou Town.

People that live along Kings Highway from Korovou Town till Navesau, Dawasamu, Natovi and Lodoni can expect their power supply to be progressively restored from Monday.

Vunidawa, Naitasiri

Areas in Vunidawa still affected can expect their power supply to be progressively restored from Monday.

WESTERN DIVISION

Energy Fiji Limited says power supply will be progressively restored to areas affected in Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki and Nadarivatu from next week.

Nadi

Only 20% of areas in Nadi have power supply restored.

The power supply in Nadi is expected to be progressively restored from next Thursday.

Areas still affected include Waimalika, Legalega, Natalau, Nadele, Masimasi, Nagado, Sabeto, Korobebe, Keolaiya , Naboutini, Nadele, Voivoi, Delana, Votualevu, Matavolivoli, Nasau, Meighniya, Saunaka, Kennedy Avenue, Nakavu, Nacoci, Navakai, Waqana, Nabutini, Narewa, Nadi Backroad, Mulomulo, Nawaka, Vatutu, Solovi, Tovatova, Yavuna, Nausori Highlands, Nakurakura, Karanvuli, Korovuto, Nawai, Nacovi, Sonasali, Navo, Sikituru, Malolo, Arolevu, Vuniyasi, Malakua, Maqalevu, Navutulevu, Tiliva, Nawaicoba, Marasa, Mate Road, Tunalia, Nalavo, Uciwai, Malamala, Uciwai, Amgali, Nabila, Sariwaya, Momi, Nagana, Waireba, Vunamoli and Waqadra.

Lautoka

60% of areas in Lautoka now have power.

The power supply in Lautoka is expected to be progressively restored from next Tuesday.

Areas still affected include parts of Drasa & Vitogo, Matawalu, Lovu, Paipai, Qalitu, Nacilau, Tuvu, Natabua Seaside, Drasa Avenue, Saweni, Veseisei, Vuda, Vuda Back Road, Vuda Point, Nabara, Lomolomo, Natalau, Wailoko, Saru, Tavabuku , Wairebetia, Nabula and Parts of Natabua.

Ba

40% of the power supply has been restored in Ba. Areas still affected are expected to have power supply progressively restored from next Thursday.

The affected areas include Raviravi, Karavi, Tavarau, Sarava, Koroqaqa, Navau, Yalalevu, Clop Cott, Navatu, Nasolo, Talaiya, Waiwai, Toge, Balevuto, Nalotawa, Yaloku, Nanuku ,, Koronubu, Namada, Vaqia, Benai, Vatusui, Namau, Navala, Nakoroboya, Matavelo, Veisaru, Waibuka, Bulolo, Navoli, Votua, Waibuka and Bilolo.

Tavua

15% of areas in Tavua have power supply restored.

Areas still affected are expected to have power supply progressively restored from Monday.

The affected areas in Tavua include Yaladro, Yasiyasi, Matalevu, Natawa, Matacawa, Tagitagi, Korovou, Maqere, Tavualevu, Vatutavui, Mataniwai, Nabuna, Rakavidi, Davota, Rabulu, Yaqara, Nananu, Naseyani, Drauniivi, Togovere, Tuidreke, Natokita, Nanuku, Vunitogoloa, Narewa, Vitawa and Waikubukubu.

Rakiraki

10% of the power supply has been restored in Rakiraki.

Progressive power restoration is expected to start from next Thursday in Rakiraki.

The areas still without power are Wairuku, Vitawa, Naivuvuni, Vunitogoloa, Nanuku, Rewasa, Narara, Rewasa, Korotale, Nakorokula, Navolau, Navunidawa, Naimuaimada, Vaidoko, Naboutolu, Nokonoko, Madhuvani, Saivou, Dokanavatu, Korotiki, Nanukuloa, Naiserelagi, Wailevu, Navunibitu, Ra Maternity Hospital, Tokio, Barotu, Ra, Waimicia, Vunikavikaloa, Rokoroko, Jaina, Navuniivi, Namunamu, Matawailevu, Nakorovou, Mataso, Sobasoba, Waimaro Health Centre, Nausori, Ellington, Nagana, Burenitu, Navitilevu, Nasavusavu, Nauto, Toki, Tobu, Dama, Nalalawa, Rokovuaka, Navesau, Nalaba, Nailawa, Roma, Mataveikai, Nabalabala, Nativi, Maniyava, Narauyaba, Vuniyaumunu, Naivutu, Naraviravi, Navaivai, Drekeniwai, Vunibaka, Tokaimalo, Waimari, Naqoro, Vatukacevaceva, Nadovi, Colasi, Naria and Volivoli.

Sigatoka

Only 5% of areas in Sigatoka have power supply.

Power restoration in Sigatoka is expected to start from Sunday.

Kulukulu, Mataqe, Yadua, Malaqereqere, Navuevu, Sila, Tore, Naqeledamu, Cuvu, Navovo, Uluisila, Togovere, Nadromai, Namuka, Nadola, Tagitagi, Naidiri, Malomalo, Natadola, Semo, Nabau, Emuri, Naikeli, Kabisi, Vavaniqiri, Batiri, Vusama, Qoqo Island, Togobula, Lomawai, Ciriwai, Navutu, Nabou, Kavukavu, Namata, Tau, Nakorokula, Sariyawa, Momi, Nagaga/Nabila, Bavu, Kedrakulu, Lawai, Nasau, Korokoro, Nacocolevu, Nakalavo, Barara, Naceva, Qereqere, Navula, Loma, Nasovatava, Bilalevu, Narewa, Waicoba, Dreke, Narata, Rararua, Nabaka, Siminilaya, Tubairata, Raonitogo, Sautabu, Navewago, Rarabahaga, Nalebaleba, Tuvu, Bemana, Tovatova, Volinagerua, Wenewene, Nasaucoko, Keiyasi, Vatumali, Nukuciri, Vunaqoru, Koroua, Toga, Nabitu, Vunarewa, Natasini,Natawatawadi, Naroro, Yalava/Samusamu, Nawamagi, Kavanagasau, Nadrala, Yalasa, Raiwaqa, Lokuya, Mavua, Laselase, Nayawa, Oloolo, Olosara, Korotogo, and Malevu.

VANUA LEVU

Areas still affected in Labasa, Seaqaqa, Dreketi and Savusavu can expect their power supply to be progressively restored from today and tomorrow.

Vodafone Fiji says its network overall has withstood the impact of TC Harold very well with no major network infrastructure damages around the country.

Head of e-Commerce and Corporate Affairs, Shailendra Prasad says apart from Kadavu which got the brunt of TC Harold, any network disruption around the country was largely due to power outages and site accessibility issues.

However, as power is being restored, Prasad says services will fully normalize across most parts of Fiji in the next 24 hours.

He says their network restoration teams have also been mobilized to optimize network performance by realigning network antennas which may have misaligned due to the strong winds.

Prasad also says Vodafone engineers will travel to Kadavu later this afternoon to assess if there was any structural damage to towers and commence restoration works to get Kadavu back online.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold intensified into a category 5 cyclone overnight and is moving further away from Fiji leaving a trail of destruction in its path.

The centre of Cyclone Harold was located 350 kilometres southeast of Kabara at 3am.

The cyclone is currently moving east-southeast at about 43 kilometres per hour, and is quickly moving further away from Fiji.

Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of upto 205 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 285 kilometres per hour.

A strong wind warning remains in force for Fiji.

A flood warning is in place for low lying areas and areas adjacent to and downstream of the Navua, Ba, Wainibuka, Rewa, Wainimala, Waimanu, Sigatoka and Tuva River.

Situation reports : Kadavu

Kadavu felt the full brunt of Tropical Cyclone Harold late yesterday.

TC Harold caused severe damage in the village of Bulia, Kadavu.

Almost 20 houses were damaged due to the strong winds.

Bulia villager Iliesa Cokanasiga says that they prepared for TC Harold but they did not anticipate that the strength of the wind will be so strong that it also damage some of the newly built houses.

Cokanasiga says from 2pm to 4pm yesterday, they experienced strong winds adding some of the houses were destroyed while others had their rooftops blown away.

He says they are lucky that the cyclone hit the island when it was still daylight.

Cokanasiga says they also experienced storm surges.

Dravuni Village

TC Harold has also left widespread damage in Dravuni Village in Kadavu.

We have managed to get photos from Dravuni and you can check out the photos on our website, Fijivillage

[Dravuni,Kadavu. Photo: Makereta Kovelali/ Jerry Keri]

Situation update: Lau

Namuka-I-Lau

Namuka-I-Lau villager, Maciu Rokobuli says they were well prepared for Tropical Cyclone Harold as they were briefed by their Village Headman one day before the cyclone entered Fiji waters.

Rokobuli says strong winds and heavy rain was experienced from 2 yesterday afternoon and it continued till around 10 last night. He adds they also experienced storm surges.

Lomaloma Village in Vanuabalavu

The Village Headman of Lomaloma Village in Vanuabalavu Sovakele Levaci says they experienced storm surges with strong winds last night and early this morning.

Levaci says their farms and crops have been damaged due to TC Harold.

He adds that strong winds and heavy rain was experienced from yesterday afternoon but they were prepared for the natural disaster.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold intensified into a category 5 cyclone overnight and is moving further away from Fiji leaving a trail of destruction in its path.

The centre of Cyclone Harold was located 350 kilometres southeast of Kabara at 3am.

The cyclone is currently moving east-southeast at about 43 kilometres per hour, and is quickly moving further away from Fiji.

Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of upto 205 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 285 kilometres per hour.

A strong wind warning remains in force for Fiji.

A flood warning is in place for low lying areas and areas adjacent to and downstream of the Navua, Ba, Wainibuka, Rewa, Wainimala, Waimanu, Sigatoka and Tuva River.

Situation reports : Kadavu

Kadavu felt the full brunt of Tropical Cyclone Harold late yesterday.

TC Harold caused severe damage in the village of Bulia, Kadavu.

Almost 20 houses were damaged due to the strong winds.

Bulia villager Iliesa Cokanasiga says that they prepared for TC Harold but they did not anticipate that the strength of the wind will be so strong that it also damage some of the newly built houses.

Cokanasiga says from 2pm to 4pm yesterday, they experienced strong winds adding some of the houses were destroyed while others had their rooftops blown away.

He says they are lucky that the cyclone hit the island when it was still daylight.

Cokanasiga says they also experienced storm surges.

Dravuni Village

TC Harold has also left widespread damage in Dravuni Village in Kadavu.

We have managed to get photos from Dravuni and you can check out the photos on our website, Fijivillage

[Dravuni,Kadavu. Photo: Makereta Kovelali/ Jerry Keri]

Situation update: Lau

Namuka-I-Lau

Namuka-I-Lau villager, Maciu Rokobuli says they were well prepared for Tropical Cyclone Harold as they were briefed by their Village Headman one day before the cyclone entered Fiji waters.

Rokobuli says strong winds and heavy rain was experienced from 2 yesterday afternoon and it continued till around 10 last night. He adds they also experienced storm surges.

Lomaloma Village in Vanuabalavu

The Village Headman of Lomaloma Village in Vanuabalavu Sovakele Levaci says they experienced storm surges with strong winds last night and early this morning.

Levaci says their farms and crops have been damaged due to TC Harold.

He adds that strong winds and heavy rain was experienced from yesterday afternoon but they were prepared for the natural disaster.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold has intensified into a Category 5 system and continues to move in the east-southeast direction and is currently affecting the Lau Group.

The centre of Cyclone Harold was located about 70 kilometres north-northwest of Ono-I-Lau or about 130 kilometres south of Kabara at 9 last night.

The cyclone is currently moving east-southeast at about 44 kilometres per hour, and is quickly moving across Fijian waters.

On this track, the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 190 kilometres east-southeast of Ono-i-Lau or 310 kilometres southeast of Kabara at 3 this morning and about 330 kilometres east-southeast of Ono-i-Lau at 6am this morning.

Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of upto 205 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 285 kilometres per hour.

[Tropical Cyclone Warning Number 26 issued FORECAST TRACK MAP Time: 1:12am - 09/04/2020]

Destructive and damaging winds are likely to begin a few or several hours before the cyclone centre passes nearby.

For Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau: expect very destructive hurricane-force winds with speeds up to 170 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 240 kilometres per hour.

Damaging heavy swells with sea flooding of low lying coastal areas is expected during high tides, with storm surge heights of up to 2 metres expected along the coasts when the centre passes nearby.

For the central and southern Lau Group destructive storm force winds with speeds up to 110 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 155 kilometres per hour.

A storm warning remain in force for the central and southern Lau Group.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the Fiji Group. A flash flood warning remains in force for low lying areas and small streams within the Rakiraki Catchment and is now in force for the rest of the low lying areas and small streams within catchments in Fiji.

A flood warning is also in place for low lying areas and areas adjacent to and downstream of the Navua, Ba, Wainibuka, Rewa, Wainimala, Waimanu, Sigatoka and Tuva River.

Meanwhile earlier yesterday afternoon, TC Harold affected Kadavu badly.

There has been widespread damage in Dravuni in Kadavu.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold has intensified into a Category 5 system and continues to move in the east-southeast direction and is currently affecting the Lau Group.

The centre of Cyclone Harold was located about 70 kilometres north-northwest of Ono-I-Lau or about 130 kilometres south of Kabara at 9 last night.

The cyclone is currently moving east-southeast at about 44 kilometres per hour, and is quickly moving across Fijian waters.

On this track, the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 190 kilometres east-southeast of Ono-i-Lau or 310 kilometres southeast of Kabara at 3 this morning and about 330 kilometres east-southeast of Ono-i-Lau at 6am this morning.

Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of upto 205 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 285 kilometres per hour.

[Tropical Cyclone Warning Number 26 issued FORECAST TRACK MAP Time: 1:12am - 09/04/2020]

Destructive and damaging winds are likely to begin a few or several hours before the cyclone centre passes nearby.

For Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau: expect very destructive hurricane-force winds with speeds up to 170 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 240 kilometres per hour.

Damaging heavy swells with sea flooding of low lying coastal areas is expected during high tides, with storm surge heights of up to 2 metres expected along the coasts when the centre passes nearby.

For the central and southern Lau Group destructive storm force winds with speeds up to 110 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 155 kilometres per hour.

A storm warning remain in force for the central and southern Lau Group.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the Fiji Group. A flash flood warning remains in force for low lying areas and small streams within the Rakiraki Catchment and is now in force for the rest of the low lying areas and small streams within catchments in Fiji.

A flood warning is also in place for low lying areas and areas adjacent to and downstream of the Navua, Ba, Wainibuka, Rewa, Wainimala, Waimanu, Sigatoka and Tuva River.

Meanwhile earlier yesterday afternoon, TC Harold affected Kadavu badly.

There has been widespread damage in Dravuni in Kadavu.

The Lau Group is currently feeling the brunt of Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Harold as the large system continues to move in the east-southeast direction.

Earlier this afternoon, TC Harold affected Kadavu badly.

All communication links are down in Kadavu and Lau but we have received reports that they are experiencing destructive winds.

There has been widespread damage in Dravuni in Kadavu.

We have managed to get photos from Dravuni and you can checkout the photos on our website, Fijivillage

The centre of Cyclone Harold was located about 40 kilometres South of Matuku or about 190 kilometres Northwest of Ono-I-Lau at 6pm this evening.

Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of upto 175 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 250 kilometres per hour.

The cyclone is currently moving east-southeast at about 38 kilometres per hour, and is quickly moving across Fijian waters.

On this track, the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 60 kilometres East of Ono-i-Lau or 190 kilometres South-southeast of Kabara at midnight tonight and about 330 kilometres east-southeast of Ono-i-Lau at 6am tomorrow.

Destructive and damaging winds are likely to begin a few or several hours before the cyclone centre passes nearby.

For Matuku, Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau: expect very destructive hurricane force winds with speeds up to 170 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 240 kilometres per hour.

Damaging heavy swells with sea flooding of low lying coastal areas is expected during high tides, with storm surge heights of upto 2 metres expected along the coasts when the centre passes nearby.

For the rest of southern parts of Viti Levu [from the Coral Coast to Pacific Harbour], Moala, Totoya, Vanuavatu and the rest of southern Lau Group: destructive storm force winds with speeds up to 110 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 155 kilometres per hour.

A gale warning remains in force for the rest of Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Lomaiviti Group, the rest of the Lau Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the Fiji Group. A flash flood warning remains in force for low lying areas and small streams within the Rakiraki Catchment and is now in force for the rest of the low lying areas and small streams within catchments in Fiji.

A flood warning is also in place for low lying areas and areas adjacent to and downstream of the Navua, Ba, Wainibuka, Rewa, Wainimala, Waimanu, Sigatoka and Tuva River.

We have received reports that Navua River is on the brink of breaking its banks due to continuous heavy rain.

A resident, Niraj Pratap says they they were experiencing rain since this morning but it started to get much heavier from 11am today.

He says they are also experiencing strong winds.

The Lau Group is currently feeling the brunt of Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Harold as the large system continues to move in the east-southeast direction.

Earlier this afternoon, TC Harold affected Kadavu badly.

All communication links are down in Kadavu and Lau but we have received reports that they are experiencing destructive winds.

There has been widespread damage in Dravuni in Kadavu.

We have managed to get photos from Dravuni and you can checkout the photos on our website, Fijivillage

The centre of Cyclone Harold was located about 40 kilometres South of Matuku or about 190 kilometres Northwest of Ono-I-Lau at 6pm this evening.

Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of upto 175 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 250 kilometres per hour.

The cyclone is currently moving east-southeast at about 38 kilometres per hour, and is quickly moving across Fijian waters.

On this track, the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 60 kilometres East of Ono-i-Lau or 190 kilometres South-southeast of Kabara at midnight tonight and about 330 kilometres east-southeast of Ono-i-Lau at 6am tomorrow.

Destructive and damaging winds are likely to begin a few or several hours before the cyclone centre passes nearby.

For Matuku, Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau: expect very destructive hurricane force winds with speeds up to 170 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 240 kilometres per hour.

Damaging heavy swells with sea flooding of low lying coastal areas is expected during high tides, with storm surge heights of upto 2 metres expected along the coasts when the centre passes nearby.

For the rest of southern parts of Viti Levu [from the Coral Coast to Pacific Harbour], Moala, Totoya, Vanuavatu and the rest of southern Lau Group: destructive storm force winds with speeds up to 110 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 155 kilometres per hour.

A gale warning remains in force for the rest of Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Lomaiviti Group, the rest of the Lau Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the Fiji Group.

A flash flood warning remains in force for low lying areas and small streams within the Rakiraki Catchment and is now in force for the rest of the low lying areas and small streams within catchments in Fiji.

A flood warning is also in place for low lying areas and areas adjacent to and downstream of the Navua, Ba, Wainibuka, Rewa, Wainimala, Waimanu, Sigatoka and Tuva River.

[Water level update at 1am]

Two people were injured in Vusuya early this morning.

Soko says one person is at home and one is in a stable condition awaiting the x-ray.

Chief Medical Adviser, Doctor Jemesa Tudravu says this is one of the group of people affected by the tornado this morning.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold intensified into a category 5 cyclone overnight and continues to move in the east-southeast direction and away from the Fiji group.

The centre of Cyclone Harold was located about 75 kilometres east of Ono-I-Lau or about 210 kilometres south southeast of Kabara at 12am this morning.

The cyclone is currently moving east-southeast at about 43 kilometres per hour, and is quickly moving across Fijian waters.

On this track, the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 330 kilometres east-southeast of Ono-i-Lau at 6am this morning.

Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of upto 205 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 285 kilometres per hour.

A storm warning remains in force for Ono-I-Lau.

A gale warning remains in force for the central and southern Lau group.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji.

For Ono-i-Lau: expect very destructive force winds with speeds up to 110 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 155 kilometres per hour.

Damaging heavy swells with sea flooding of low lying coastal areas is expected during high tides, with storm surge heights of upto 2 metres expected along the coasts when the centre passes nearby.

For the central and southern Lau Group destructive storm force winds with speeds up to 85 kilometres per hour and momentary gusts to 120 kilometres per hour.

A flood warning is in place for low lying areas and areas adjacent to and downstream of the Navua, Ba, Wainibuka, Rewa, Wainimala, Waimanu, Sigatoka and Tuva River.

Situation report : Kadavu

Kadavu felt the full brunt of Tropical Cyclone Harold yesterday afternoon.

Tropical Cyclone Harold caused severe damage in the village of Bulia in Kadavu.

Almost 20 houses were damaged due to the strong winds.

Bulia villager Iliesa Cokanasiga says that they prepared for TC Harold but they did not anticipate that the strength of the wind will be so strong that it also damaged some of the newly built houses.

Cokanasiga says from 2pm to 4pm yesterday , they experienced strong winds adding some of the houses were destroyed while others had their rooftops blown away.

He says they are very lucky that the cyclone hit the island when it was still daylight.

Cokanasiga says they also experienced storm surges.

Dravuni Village

Meanwhile, earlier yesterday afternoon, TC Harold left widespread damages in Dravuni Village in Kadavu.

[Dravuni,Kadavu. Photo: Makereta Kovelali/ Jerry Keri]

Situation update: Lau

Namuka-I-Lau

Namuka-I-Lau villager, Maciu Rokobuli says they were well prepared for Tropical Cyclone Harold as they were briefed by their Village Headman one day before the cyclone entered Fiji waters.

Rokobuli says strong wind and heavy rain were experienced from 2 yesterday afternoon and it continued till around 10 last night.

He adds they also experienced storm surges.

Lomaloma Village in Vanuabalavu

The Village Headman of Lomaloma Village in Vanuabalavu, Sovakele Levaci says they have experienced storm surges with strong winds last evening and early this morning.

Levaci says their farms and crops have been damaged due to TC Harold.

He adds that strong wind and heavy rain were experienced from yesterday afternoon but they were prepared for this natural disaster.

Mabula in Cicia

Pita Rarasea of Mabula villager in Cicia, says TC Harold has damaged their village bridge and their crops.

Tailevu North College partially damaged due to strong winds experienced this morning

Tailevu North College is partially damaged due to the strong winds that was experienced this morning.

Police have confirmed that they have received reports of damages to the school earlier today.

The roof of the school was also blown away.

Earlier in the day nine houses have been damaged and several people were injured in Wainokavula Village, Tailevu.

Police officers were deployed to the area after they received reports of this.

Lawaki Village suffers damages due to TC Harold

A few houses in Lawaki Village in Tailevu were damaged while some had their rooftops blown away by strong winds brought by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Village Headman, Levani Tamani says the experience was similar to what they had gone through when TC Winston hit the Fiji Group in 2016.

Tamani says farms were also affected as strong winds uprooted most of their crops.

Tamani adds that people who have been affected are staying with relatives in the village.

Toga crossing in Nausori is currently flooded

The Toga Crossing in Nausori is currently flooded.

Minister for Infrastructure and Disaster Management Jone Usamate shared a video on his Twitter page from the site which shows the crossing underwater.

The video also shows fallen power lines in the area.

Movement restriction lifted for VIti Levu however national curfew from 8pm-5am still stands

The movement restriction that was in place for Viti Levu has been lifted however the national curfew that is from 8pm-5am still stands.

National Disaster Management Office Director Vasiti Soko says they are yet to receive reports from Kadavu, nearby smaller islands and Southern Lau group.

Soko says they are seeking assistance from members of the public who are able to contact their families in these areas to pass on the information to the Commissioner Eastern Emergency Operations Centre on 7775485 or 3313400 to assist the NDMO.

She is urging people to exercise caution while travelling on the road adding they are also working closely with their first responders to assist people who are still in evacuation centres.

More than 1,700 people in evacuation centres

[Both Nasoata and Taiperia residents have been evacuated, with the help of our RFMF forces, to Natabua Primary School and are now safe. Photo: Fijian Government]

1,768 people are currently staying in 85 evacuation centres around the country.

The National Disaster Management Office says the Western Division has 40 evacuation centres with 1,086 people.

There are 39 evacuation centres with 559 people in the Central Division.

Two evacuation centres are open in the Northern Division with 33 people and the Eastern Division has 90 people in 4 evacuation centres.

Australia pledges support to Fiji's relief efforts after TC Harold

The Australian Government has pledged an initial $350,000 for Fiji government’s relief efforts for Tropical Cyclone Harold.

This has been confirmed by the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes.

Feakes has also paid tribute to the Fiji's emergency and disciplined services working to keep Fijians safe during TC Harold.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison says they are thinking of the Pacific family today, especially Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga, as Tropical Cyclone Harold moves through the region.

He says Australia is with the Pacific.

Morrison adds they will continue to support their friends as they recover from this disaster and as we battle coronavirus together.

Soldiers assist in clearing debris in areas

Bushmaster vehicles and a number of soldiers and police officers are already on the ground in Waidamudamu in Nausori to clear all the debris in the affected areas.

Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete, Infrastructure Minister, Jone Usamate, Minister for Defence, Inia Seruiratu and Army Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto are at the scene.

There are several teams on the ground trying to assist in different areas.

Stay away from incomplete WG Friendship Plaza on McGregor Road

Please stay away from the incomplete WG Friendship Plaza on McGregor Road in Suva.

Fijivillage has received reports that metal and aluminum pipes are flying off the building and landing on the road and neighbouring properties.

We are advising you to stay away from the area.

A WG Friendship spokesperson says they had secured the building area but they do not know what is flying from the building.

He says their workers are now at the site to check the situation.

Tornadoes from TC Harold Affect Nakasi and Nausori 

Bhawani Dayal Arya College’s double storey classroom block roof and other houses significantly damaged

Tornadoes associated with Tropical Cyclone Harold have severely affected some houses and buildings in Nakasi and Nausori – it resulted in the roof of Bhawani Dayal School getting ripped off and blown away.

Nadi Weather Office Director, Misaele Funaki says that it is possible that severe tropical cyclones like Harold can spawn tornadoes after people from Vusuya in Nausori also said that their homes were damaged by a tornado at about 3 o’çlock this morning.

We are getting reports that about 7 houses have been damaged in Vusuya, and houses in Nakasi and Bhawani Dayal School have been badly damaged.

15 houses have been badly damaged by strong winds and rain in Waidamudamu, Nausori early this morning.

Resident Ashwin Prasad says it seems a tornado blew their roof away at about 4.30am.

He says his family had to take shelter under their tables.

Prasad also says that at least two of his neighbours are injured.

Another resident, Umesh Chand says he has never seen such a situation in Waidamudamu.

He says he was woken up at around 4am because of the heavy rain and strong winds.

He adds that Waidamudamu is flooded and the water level has risen to about 4 feet.

Some areas in Sigatoka badly affected

Temple roof flies away in Nabitu, Sigatoka

[Vatukarsa Village Western, Fiji. Photo: Simeli Cirimaitoga]

Some houses have been badly damaged in Vatukarasa Village in Sigatoka.

The village is full of fallen trees and debris from the strong winds.

[Vatukarsa Village Western, Fiji. Photo: Simeli Cirimaitoga]

A few houses in Nabitu, Sigatoka are partially damaged due to strong winds this morning.

A resident has told Fijivillage that this includes the roof of their temple that has been blown away completely. 

Family escapes unharmed after a tree fell on their home earlier today

Vunivau, Labasa resident Roshni Lata is counting her lucky stars after she and her husband escaped injuries when a large tree fell on the roof of her home earlier today.

Lata says the rooftop has sustained some damages but she is grateful that she and her husband are safe.

Meanwhile, another Vunivau resident, Mukesh Lingam says strong wind and heavy rain has eased up from earlier today.

Sashi Kiran of FRIEND Fiji says they have received reports of flooding in some of the low-lying areas in Lautoka and Ba.

Kiran says in Lautoka they have had gusty winds and heavy rain from about 3 this morning.

She adds once the weather clears they will be going out to see what the people affected by the weather system need.

While we had experienced heavy rain and strong winds last night up until this morning and Police officers were deployed to assist those in need of urgent assistance due to the impacts of TC Harold, Police were at the same time making arrests with regards to COVID-19 curfew and social gathering breaches.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho says 51 arrests were made of which 32 were for curfew breaches and 17 for social gatherings.

The other 2 arrests were for self-isolation breaches.

Qiliho says early this morning, policing operations has been beefed up as they look to ensure all COVID-19, TC Harold operations with regards to rescue and evacuation operations, the manning of evacuation centers and routine operations is covered well.

Please help make the situation easier for stakeholders and officials who are working tirelessly to ensure everyone is safe as we brace for the impacts of TC Harold.

Listen to advisories and stop the unnecessary movement unless it's for an emergency.

Temple roof flies away in Nabitu, Sigatoka Houses damaged in Sigatoka

A few houses in Nabitu, Sigatoka are partially damaged due to strong winds this morning.

A resident has told fijivillage that this includes the roof of their temple that has been blown away completely.

Please stay away from the incomplete WG Friendship Plaza on McGregor Road in Suva.

Fijivillage has received reports that metal and aluminum pipes are flying off the building and landing on the road and neighbouring properties.

We are advising you to stay away from the area.

A WG Friendship spokesperson says they had secured the building area but they do not know what is flying from the building. He says their workers are now at the site to check the situation.

People in Viti Levu are still under restricted movement which means there should be no unnecessary movement. This has been confirmed by the Director of the National Disaster Management Office, Vasiti Soko who says only emergency service vehicles are allowed on the road.

The NDMO Director says essential workers will have to carry their work ID.

The restrictions are still in place as FRA, EFL and Forestry officers are working to clear debris and landslides on the roads.

The NDMO will await clearance from the Divisional Commissioners before a decision is made.

They says they cannot risk people’s lives as there are some fallen power lines, lanslides and fallen trees on the road.

Thankfully, there are no deaths despite the monster system connected with even tornadoes creating havoc from late last night

Tornadoes associated with Tropical Cyclone Harold have severely affected some houses and buildings in Nakasi and Nausori – it resulted in the roof of Bhawani Dayal School getting ripped off and blown away.

Nadi Weather Office Director, Misaele Funaki says that it is possible that severe tropical cyclones like Harold can spawn tornadoes after people from Vusuya in Nausori also said that their homes were damaged by a tornado at about 3 o’çlock this morning.

We are getting reports that about 7 houses have been damaged in Vusuya, and houses in Nakasi and Bhawani Dayal School have been badly damaged.

15 houses have been badly damaged by strong winds and rain in Waidamudamu, Nausori early this morning.

Resident Ashwin Prasad says it seems a tornado blew their roof away at about 4.30am.

He says his family had to take shelter under their tables.

Prasad also says that at least two of his neighbours are injured.

Another resident, Umesh Chand says he has never seen such a situation in Waidamudamu.

He says he was woken up at around 4am because of the heavy rain and strong winds.

He adds that Waidamudamu is flooded and the water level has risen to about 4 feet.

Nadi Weather Office Director, Misaele Funaki says that it is possible that tornadoes can be formed during severe tropical cyclones after people from Vusuya in Nausori claimed that their homes were damaged by a tornado at about 3 o’çlock this morning.

We are getting reports that about 7 houses have been damaged in Vusuya.

Funaki says severe tropical cyclones like Harold can spawn tornadoes.

Bus services in Viti Levu has been suspended due to heavy rain and strong winds brought in by Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Harold.

This has been confirmed by Fiji Bus Operators Association President Nisar Ali Shah.

Shah also confirms that operators are providing services in Vanua Levu but a decision will be made soon as they are experiencing strong winds this morning.

An unplanned power outage is currently being faced by the whole of Viti Levu.

Energy Fiji Limited has confirmed that the reason for the outage is still unknown and a team has been deployed to restore power supply.

EFL say it is still unclear when power supply will be restored.

Stay with us for updates.

Close to 100 homes in Qauia, Lami have been affected by rising flood waters this morning.

Jokaveti Moce says that the flood waters started rising at around 5 this morning.

Moce says that flood waters have also entered some of the homes.

The Main Street of Ba Town is flooded and there are reports of other areas also flooded in Ba

Flood waters have entered shops in Ba Town.

Stay with us for developments.

The rooftop of one of the school blocks of Bhawani Dayal Arya School in Nakasi was blown away this morning.

Some houses in Momi Feeder Road in Nausori have been partially damaged due to damaging winds and heavy rain.

Momi resident Umesh Prasad says the roof of their house was blown away at about 3 o’clock this morning.

Prasad says his family is now sheltering in his father’s house which was not damaged.

Another Resident, Daya Nand says they are currently taking shelter at a neighbour’s place along with three other families because their houses were badly damaged due to damaging winds.

Nand says his house is badly damaged along with his car and other appliances.

He also claims that a woman has been taken to the hospital after suffering cuts to her hand while some other people have also suffered minor injuries.

We are continuing to get reports of damage to houses in the Nakasi to Nasinu corridor.

In Nakasi squatter settlement, at least three families had to be evacuated as winds wreaked havoc early this morning.

A tree has also fallen on a house in Nakasi squatter settlement.

We have been informed by the family that they managed to escape just in time.

These families have been moved to evacuation centres.

In River Road squatter settlement in Narere, there has been damage to 7 houses where the roofs have been blown away.

Families there have also started moving to evacuation centres as it is a flood prone area.

Four houses in Onnie Place in Navosai have also been extensively damaged.

These were well built houses and families got a rude awakening when the rooftops of their houses were being ripped off by destructive winds.

The women and children have moved to evacuation centres while the men have stayed back to salvage what they can.

Police are assisting residents in these areas to evacuate.

The Fiji Roads Authority says Queen’s Highway at Nabukelevu Road Junction, Navua is closed due to flooding.

Kings Highway is closed at the bridge in Tavua Town. Tavualevu Bridge is underwater.

Kings Highway in Korovou is reduced to a single lane due to a fallen tree blocking the road.

FRA says the heavy rain experienced overnight and in the early hours of this morning has seen rivers and streams rise quickly. People are advised to be extremely careful and not drive into waters of unknown depth as this can be life threatening.

Nadi Weather Office Director, Misaele Funaki says the effects of this large cyclone is being felt in most parts of Fiji.

He says the concern is damaging winds and heavy rain.

There is also the concern of flash flooding of low-lying areas.

Winds can cause extensive roofing damage on small houses, extensive damages to doors and windows, low-lying escape routes cut off, extensive structural damage to houses, utility buildings, shrubs stripped.

Expect damaging winds, continuous heavy rain and widespread flooding in many parts of Viti Levu, Vanua Leavu and a number of outer islands.

Destructive winds have also caused a lot damage in some areas in Viti Levu.

A Tropical Cyclone warning is in force for the Southern Parts of Viti Levu which includes areas from Momi, Nadroga through to Pacific Harbour, Kadavu, Beqa, Vatulele, Matuku, Vatoa and Ono-I-Lau.

A storm warning remains in force for the rest of Viti Levu including Suva and Nausori, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Lomaiviti and the rest of the Southern Lau Group and is also in place for Moala, Totoya and Vanuavatu.

A gale warning remains in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lakeba, Cicia and the rest of the Lau Group.

A strong wind remains in place for the rest of Fiji while a heavy rain warning remains in force for Fiji.

The Nadi Weather Office says the centre of Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Harold is currently located 260 kilometres west of Nadi.

It is travelling in a east southeast direction at about 28 kilometres per hour.

Although the centre of TC Harold is not expected to pass over land in Fiji at this stage, we are feeling the outer effects of the large cyclone. As stated yesterday please take precautions as this is a large system and is bringing damaging winds and a lot of rain which is expected to cause coastal and river flooding. The Nadi Weather Office and Na Draki are both saying while it is predicted that Cyclone Harold will not make landfall over any of the islands of Fiji, the centre will pass close enough to the Mamanucas, southern Yasawas, Viti Levu, Vatulele, Beqa, Kadavu and southern Lau that people in these areas will very likely experience damaging winds with gusts to 240 kilometres per hour starting from this morning.

People in Yasawa and Mamanuca, Lomaiviti and the Southern Lau Group can expect damaging winds with gusts increasing to 155km/hr from this morning.

For Vauna Levu, Taveuni, Lakeba, Cicia and the rest of the Lau Group people can expect damaging winds with momentary gusts of upto 120km/hr.

Expect continuous heavy rain increasing with widespread local flash flooding expected about the western, central and northern divisions.

People in Viti Levu are now under restricted movement which means there should be no unnecessary movement. This has been confirmed by the Director of the National Disaster Management Office, Vasiti Soko who says only emergency service vehicles are now allowed on the road.

She says if Police see people unnecessarily moving around, they will chase them home.

The NDMO Director says essential workers will have to carry their work ID.

A total of 25 evacuation centres have been activated around the country.

Stay away from incomplete WG Friendship Plaza on McGregor Road

Please stay away from the incomplete WG Friendship Plaza on McGregor Road in Suva.

Fijivillage has received reports that metal and aluminum pipes are flying off the building and landing on the road and neighbouring properties.

We are advising you to stay away from the area.

A WG Friendship spokesperson says they had secured the building area but they do not know what is flying from the building. He says their workers are now at the site to check the situation.

Two injured in Vusuya

Two people were injured in Vusuya early this morning.

Soko says one person is at home and one is in a stable condition awaiting the x-ray.

Chief Medical Adviser, Doctor Jemesa Tudravu says this is one of the group of people affected by the tornado this morning.

Tornadoes from TC Harold Affect Nakasi and Nausori Bhawani Dayal School’s double storey classroom block roof and other houses significantly damaged

Tornadoes associated with Tropical Cyclone Harold have severely affected some houses and buildings in Nakasi and Nausori – it resulted in the roof of Bhawani Dayal School getting ripped off and blown away.

Nadi Weather Office Director, Misaele Funaki says that it is possible that severe tropical cyclones like Harold can spawn tornadoes after people from Vusuya in Nausori also said that their homes were damaged by a tornado at about 3 o’çlock this morning.

We are getting reports that about 7 houses have been damaged in Vusuya, and houses in Nakasi and Bhawani Dayal School have been badly damaged.

15 houses have been badly damaged by strong winds and rain in Waidamudamu, Nausori early this morning.

Resident Ashwin Prasad says it seems a tornado blew their roof away at about 4.30am.

He says his family had to take shelter under their tables.

Prasad also says that at least two of his neighbours are injured.

Another resident, Umesh Chand says he has never seen such a situation in Waidamudamu.

He says he was woken up at around 4am because of the heavy rain and strong winds.

He adds that Waidamudamu is flooded and the water level has risen to about 4 feet.

Expect damaging to destructive winds, heavy rain, coastal and river flooding

The Nadi Weather Office says a hurricane warning remains in force for southern parts of Viti levu [from Momi through to the Coral Coast to Pacific Harbour], Beqa, Vatulele, Kadavu, Matuku, Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau.

A storm warning remains in force for the rest of Viti Levu, Lomaiviti, Moala, Totoya, Vanuavatu and the rest of southern Lau Group.

A gale warning remains in force yasawa and mamanuca group, for the rest of the Lau Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji.

A damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, western and southern coast of Viti Levu, Vatulele, Beqa, Kadavu, Moala, Lomaiviti and southern Lau Group.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the Fiji Group. A flash flood warning remains in force for low lying areas and small streams within the Rakiraki catchment and is now in force for the rest of the low lying areas and small streams within catchments in fiji.

The centre of Tropical Cyclone Harold is located about 180 kilometres west-southwest of Nadi. Close to its centre the cyclone is estimated to have average winds up to 185 km/hr with momentary gusts to 260 km/hr. The cyclone is currently moving east-southeast at about 30 km/hr. On this track, the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 170 kilometres east-southeast of Kadavu or 200km west-northwest of Ono i Lau at 6pm tonight and about 330 kilometres east-southeast of Ono-i-Lau at 6am tomorrow.

Please note that destructive and damaging winds are likely to begin a few or several hours before the cyclone centre passes nearby. Expect very destructive hurricane force winds with speeds up to 170 km/hr and momentary gusts to 240 km/hr.

Damaging heavy swells with sea flooding of low lying coastal areas are expected during high tides, with storm surge heights upto 2 meters expected along the coasts when centre passes nearby. The next high tide is at 6.37 tonight.

Localised heavy rain may lead to flash flooding of low lying areas. Damaging heavy swells with sea flooding of low lying coastal areas is expected during high tides, with storm surge heights upto 2 metres expected along the coasts when the centre passes nearby.

Weather Office warns damaging winds and continuous rain expected to continue

It can be a tornado in Vusuya, Nausori – Nadi Weather Office  

Nadi Weather Office Director, Misaele Funaki says that it is possible that tornadoes can be formed during severe tropical cyclones after people from Vusuya in Nausori claimed that their homes were damaged by a tornado at about 3 o’çlock this morning.

We are getting reports that about 7 houses have been damaged in Vusuya.

Funaki says severe tropical cyclones like Harold can spawn tornadoes.

Bhawani Dayal School Block roof blown away while houses in Nakasi badly damaged Some people injured at Momi Feeder Rd in Nausori

The rooftop of one of the school blocks of Bhawani Dayal Arya School in Nakasi was blown away this morning.

Some houses in Momi Feeder Road in Nausori have been partially damaged due to damaging winds and heavy rain.

Momi resident Umesh Prasad says the roof of their house was blown away at about 3 o’clock this morning.

Prasad says his family is now sheltering in his father’s house which was not damaged.

Another Resident, Daya Nand says they are currently taking shelter at a neighbour’s place along with three other families because their houses were badly damaged due to damaging winds.

Nand says his house is badly damaged along with his car and other appliances.

He also claims that a woman has been taken to the hospital after suffering cuts to her hand while some other people have also suffered minor injuries.

We are continuing to get reports of damage to houses in the Nakasi to Nasinu corridor.

In Nakasi squatter settlement, at least three families had to be evacuated as winds wreaked havoc early this morning.

A tree has also fallen on a house in Nakasi squatter settlement.

We have been informed by the family that they managed to escape just in time.

These families have been moved to evacuation centres.

In River Road squatter settlement in Narere, there has been damage to 7 houses where the roofs have been blown away.

Families there have also started moving to evacuation centres as it is a flood prone area.

Four houses in Onnie Place in Navosai have also been extensively damaged.

These were well built houses and families got a rude awakening when the rooftops of their houses were being ripped off by destructive winds.

The women and children have moved to evacuation centres while the men have stayed back to salvage what they can.

Police are assisting residents in these areas to evacuate.

Qauia in Lami affected by rising flood waters

Close to 100 homes in Qauia, Lami have been affected by rising flood waters this morning.

Jokaveti Moce says that the flood waters started rising at around 5 this morning.

Moce says that flood waters have also entered some of the homes.

Temple roof flies away in Nabitu, Sigatoka

Houses damaged in Sigatoka

Temple roof flies away in Nabitu, Sigatoka Houses damaged in Sigatoka

A few houses in Nabitu, Sigatoka are partially damaged due to strong winds this morning.

A resident has told fijivillage that this includes the roof of their temple that has been blown away completely.

Ba Town is flooded.

The Main Street of Ba Town is flooded and there are reports of other areas also flooded in Ba

Flood waters have entered shops in Ba Town.

Stay with us for developments.

Unplanned power outage currently being faced by the whole of Viti Levu

An unplanned power outage is currently being faced by the whole of Viti Levu.

Energy Fiji Limited has confirmed that the reason for the outage is still unknown and a team has been deployed to restore power supply.

EFL say it is still unclear when power supply will be restored.

Stay with us for updates.

Bus services suspended in Viti Levu

Bus services in Viti Levu has been suspended due to heavy rain and strong winds brought in by Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Harold.

This has been confirmed by Fiji Bus Operators Association President Nisar Ali Shah.

Shah also confirms that operators are providing services in Vanua Levu but a decision will be made soon as they are experiencing strong winds this morning.

Flooding in Lautoka

Sashi Kiran of FRIEND Fiji says they have received reports of flooding in some of the low-lying areas in Lautoka and Ba.

Kiran says in Lautoka they have had gusty winds and heavy rain from about 3 this morning.

She adds once the weather clears they will be going out to see what the people affected by the weather system need.

While we had experienced heavy rain and strong winds last night up until this morning and Police officers were deployed to assist those in need of urgent assistance due to the impacts of TC Harold, Police were at the same time making arrests with regards to COVID-19 curfew and social gathering breaches.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho says 51 arrests were made of which 32 were for curfew breaches and 17 for social gatherings.

The other 2 arrests were for self-isolation breaches.

Qiliho says early this morning, policing operations has been beefed up as they look to ensure all COVID-19, TC Harold operations with regards to rescue and evacuation operations, the manning of evacuation centers and routine operations is covered well.

Please help make the situation easier for stakeholders and officials who are working tirelessly to ensure everyone is safe as we brace for the impacts of TC Harold.

Listen to advisories and stop the unnecessary movement unless it's for an emergency.

Navua River is rising

Navua River is rising We have received reports that Navua River is on the brink of breaking its banks due to continuous heavy rain.

A resident, Niraj Pratap says they were experiencing rain since this morning but it started to get much heavier from 11am today.

He says they are also experiencing strong winds. 

Plantation Island prepared for the worst

Plantation Island prepared for the worst Plantation Island General Manager Alex Wilson says he along with their 35 staff are safe.

Wilson says they had prepared for the cyclone over the past weekend and he is glad they did.

He says they continue to feel strong winds and heavy rain.

Westpac Fiji says all their branches on Viti Levu and Levuka will be closed for business today.

They say this is due to the adverse weather conditions and advice on the expected path of Tropical Cyclone Harold.

They are urging people to stay safe and utilise their ATMs, Instores or mobile banking.

Damaging winds and heavy rain have been felt in parts of the country from last night into this morning.

Some houses in Momi Feeder Road in Nausori have been partially damaged due to damaging winds and heavy rain from last night into this morning.

Speaking to Fijivillage Momi resident Umesh Prasad says the roof of their home was blown away after they felt strong winds at about 3am this morning.

Prasad says his family is now sheltering in his fathers house which was not damaged.

Another resident Daya Nand says they are currently sheltering at a neighbour’s house.

Nand says four families are sheltering at their neighbour’s house because their houses have been damaged.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Tropical Cyclone Harold will enter the Fijian waters tomorrow, and we can expect strong winds and heavy rain in the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Viti Levu, Kadavu, the Lomaiviti Group and the Southern Lau Group. Bainimarama says if any areas under lockdown see serious flooding and need to be evacuated, the government has contingency plans in place to prevent any mixing between evacuees and Fijians who are close contacts of existing COVID-positive patients.

The Prime Minister says all evacuation centres will also be sanitised, and regularly monitored to ensure that they are not filled beyond capacity. Bainimarama says through this storm, he wants to again stress that the directives given by the authorities are not voluntary. He says they are not suggestions.

The Prime Minister says they are orders that must be followed, for your safety and the safety of those around you. Bainimarama advises people to stay away from floodwaters. If you’ve been directed to evacuate, please do so while the sun is out. If you have not been told to move, do the right thing and stay put at home.

People are advised to take all precuationary measures as Category 4 TC Harold comes closer to the group

People are advised to take all precautionary measures now as continuous heavy rain and damaging winds are expected in Fiji from later today into tomorrow as Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Harold comes closer to the group.

The centre of TC Harold is currently located 600 kilometres west of Nadi. Harold is forecast to be a strong category 4 cyclone as it reaches closest to Fiji tomorrow.

It is travelling in an east-southeast direction at about 15 kilometres per hour. The Nadi Weather Office and Na Draki are both saying while it is predicted that Cyclone Harold will not make landfall over any of the islands of Fiji, the centre will pass close enough to the Mamanucas, southern Yasawas, Viti Levu, Vatulele, Beqa, Kadavu and southern Lau that they will very likely experience damaging winds with gusts to 90 kilometres per hour starting from later tonight into tomorrow and continuing for much of the day.

Kadavu and southern Lau will likely experience more destructive storm force winds gusting to 125 kilometres per hour during the middle of the day and through to the evening tomorrow.

Widespread heavy rain is expected across Fiji from today ahead of the cyclone.

Rain will continue tonight and through the day tomorrow with flash flooding initially followed by river flooding tomorrow, especially for the Nadi and Sigatoka rivers, but also the Navua and Ba rivers, and also later the Rakiraki river and the Rewa from the interior to Nausori.

The onset of gales around western and southern Viti Levu will coincide with high tide and a full moon around sunrise tomorrow with a high risk of sea flooding along the Coral Coast and western Viti Levu, and also coastal villages and tourist resorts in the Mamanucas and Yasawas. While the forecast guidance remains consistent in predicting that the centre of TC Harold will pass about 300 kilometresor more south of Viti Levu later tomorrow, the track could potentially change over the next 24 hours so you should prepare for the possibility of stronger winds than predicted should the cyclone move closer to Fiji.

Expected continuous heavy rain increasing further tonight with widespread local flash flooding about the western, central and northern divisions.

Heavy rain will then spread to the eastern division by tomorrow morning.

The one element of positivity is that the cyclone will be travelling at around 20 kilometres by this time and its presence in Fiji waters will be relatively brief in comparison to Vanuatu.

By tomorrow night the centre of the cyclone will be moving out of southern Lau waters.

The Nadi Weather Office says even though the centre of Tropical Cyclone Harold is expected to pass to the southwest of Fiji later this week, active rainbands will bring heavy rain and gale force winds could be experienced along the Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Western half of Viti Levu and Kadavu.

This is expected to begin from today.

A Tropical Cyclone Alert remains in force for Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands and the Lomaiviti and the Southern Lau Group.

A heavy rain alert remains in force for Fiji.

Gale force winds may cause loose objects to fly, break twigs and tree branches and slight damages to weak-structured houses.

The Weather Office also says the concern also extends to coastal inundation including sea flooding of coastal areas.

Weather forecasters say other parts of Fiji can be affected as TC Harold moves closer.

It is therefore advisable that we prepare accordingly.

Take the necessary steps to ensure that homes and properties are well secured. Ensure that your compounds are cleared of all debris that could harm individuals and damage properties in the event of strong winds.

For those who live along low-lying flood prone areas, please be aware of your escape routes in the event of rising flood waters.

Cyclone Harold made landfall on the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu earlier yesterday.

Observations and reports received from Vanuatu indicate damages to infrastructure, heavy rain and flooding of low lying areas.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold was analysed at about 950km West North-west of Nadi at 12 this morning.

It is a Category 5 system with sustained winds of approximately 215km per hour close to its centre and momentary gusts extending to 295km per hour. It is moving east-south-eastward at about 19kmper hour.

Based on the current projection the centre of the cyclone is expected to be located at about 690km West of Nadi at midday today and about 380km West of Nadi at midnight tonight.

At midday tomorrow, it is expected to be located approximately 310km south-southwest of Yasawa-I-Rara or about 200km south-southwest of Nadi. As it continues to move in that direction, it is expected to pass just towards the southwest of Fiji.

A heavy rain alert remains in force for Fiji.

Gale force winds may cause loose objects to fly, break twigs and tree branches and slight damages to weak-structured houses.

The Weather Office also says the concern also extends to coastal inundation including sea flooding of coastal areas.

Weather forecasters say other parts of Fiji can be affected as TC Harold moves closer.

It is therefore advisable that we prepare accordingly.

Take the necessary steps to ensure that homes and properties are well secured. Ensure that your compounds are cleared of all debris that could harm individuals and damage properties in the event of strong winds.

For those who live along low-lying flood prone areas, please be aware of your escape routes in the event of rising flood waters.

Cyclone Harold made landfall on the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu earlier yesterday.

TC Harold threat map 18 issued at 1:27 am Tuesday, in Fiji 07/04/2020

Observations and reports received from Vanuatu indicate damages to infrastructure, heavy rain and flooding of low lying areas.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold was analysed at about 950km West North-west of Nadi at 12 this morning.

It is a Category 5 system with sustained winds of approximately 215km per hour close to its centre and momentary gusts extending to 295km per hour. It is moving east-south-eastward at about 19kmper hour.

Based on the current projection the centre of the cyclone is expected to be located at about 690km West of Nadi at midday today and about 380km West of Nadi at midnight tonight.

At midday tomorrow, it is expected to be located approximately 310km south-southwest of Yasawa-I-Rara or about 200km south-southwest of Nadi. As it continues to move in that direction, it is expected to pass just towards the southwest of Fiji.