Tropical Cyclone Yasa

The Rotary Club of Peninsula Sunset collected $800 cash and 35 bags of relief items during their disaster relief initiative collection at the ROC Market in Suva, and donations continue to pour in.

Community Service Director Prashant Anuraag says the support from the people of Fiji towards the initiative has been tremendous and they are thankful that people have shown their support to those who have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

He says they are aiming to deliver the relief packs to people in the North by Thursday.

He adds more than 20 cartons of relief items have already been collected at their office and their Labasa members are already on the ground delivering six to seven relief packs a day.

People can donate towards this worthy cause by dropping the items they would like to donate at 50 Siga Road Laucala Beach Estate opposite International School Suva or contact Prashant Anuraag on 9968658/7968658.

You can also check out our Hands Across Fiji section of our website, fijivillage where we connect people needing assistance to help those severely affected by COVID-19 and TC Yasa to those who are looking at initiatives to assist the worst affected.

Related Stories;

PM visits areas in the North affected by TC Yasa

By Naveel Krishant

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is currently in the Northern Division to visit areas that have been severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Minister for Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu briefed Bainimarama on the progress of relief work undertaken in the Northern Division.

50 personnel from the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces from Suva will be assisting authorities with cleaning up and distribution of rations to evacuation centres.

Bainimarama is expected to visit more areas affected by TC Yasa later today.

WAF quick fix team leaves for Vanua Levu to restore water supply as soon as possible – Soko

By Priteshni Nand , Mohammed Feroz , Navitalai Naivalurua

The Director of National Disaster Management Office, Vasiti Soko says Water Authority of Fiji’s quick fix team has left for Vanua Levu last night to assist the teams that are already on the ground to mobilise water supply in affected areas as soon as possible.

Soko says WAF teams have also left with additional water tanks to assist these people.

She says the area of concern is Bua and they understand that people in Labasa have water now.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says most of the people in Northern Division are in need of utilities and in particular water and they will ensure that they are given access to this quickly.

Sayed-Khaiyum says once the people have access to water and other utilities, they can start rebuilding their homes.

He says some people need immediate assistance as most of them will be staying in the evacuation centers for a long time while some need long term assistance.

The Minister for Economy adds that some people have been given immediate assistance and the National Disaster Management Office is looking at how quickly they can assist the affected people.

Sayed-Khaiyum says a lot of people are showing resilience and are rebuilding their homes on their own and most of them are keen to build their own homes.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the New Zealand aircraft is taking aerial shots and carrying out more detailed damaged assessment of areas which are difficult to reach.

I hope we are able to work out a solution for the students – Akbar

By Naveel Krishant , Mohammed Feroz

Minister for Education Rosy Akbar says there is a lot of work cut out for them and she hopes they are able to work out a solution for the students when they return to school for 2021.

Akbar says they will have talks with the Ministry of Economy, the National Disaster Management Office and other stakeholders to ensure they rebuild or rehabilitate schools that have suffered extensive damages or destruction by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

She adds Lekutu Secondary School is one of the worst affected schools.

Akbar is currently in the Northern Division and says this will enable them to see the full extent of damages.

As of yesterday, the Ministry of Education reported that 28 schools in the North, Yasawa and Mamanuca suffered extensive damages due to TC Yasa.

Relief supplies deployed to the North

By Naveel Krishant

The National Disaster Management Office has deployed 10,000 food ration packs and non-food items to affected villages and communities in the Northern Division.

NDMO Director Vasiti Soko says they are sending 10,000 food ration packs which is for people in evacuation centres and for those in need.

She says their teams are conducting the initial damage assessments.

Soko says upon the completion of this assessment, they will be in a better position to determine the details of assistance required.

She adds in the meantime, they are prioritizing deployment of food and availability of non-food items to Vanua Levu.

Soko says they have been receiving queries from businesses, communities and individuals who want to support those who are in need.

She has requested if they can seek guidance from NDMO or the Divisional Officers so that assistance is not duplicated.

7,821 people in 183 evacuation centres

By Navitalai Naivalurua

7,821 people are currently taking shelter at 183 evacuation centres around the country.

The Director for National Disaster Management Office Vasiti Soko says 6,331 people are currently in 133 evacuation centres in the Northern Division.

Soko says 80 people are in 1 evacuation centre in the Central Division.

She says 1,033 people are in 29 evacuation centres in the Western Division while 377 people are in 20 evacuation centres in the Eastern Division.

Kameli Naitini of Votua Village in Lekutu, Bua says what they went through as Tropical Cyclone Yasa wreaked havoc in the Northern Division is something they never experienced before.

Naitini says they were taking shelter at the Lekutu District School when TC Yasa was hovering the Province of Bua and the strength of the wind damaged the school building.

He says some of the families had to take cover under the floor of classrooms because the roof was blown away and they stayed there until the weather calmed down as they feared for their lives.

Naitini says what he could hear and see will stay with him for the rest of his life.

He adds they are thankful for the government for their visit and are also grateful that support and assistance is on the way.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is currently in the Northern Division to visit areas that have been severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

10,000 food ration packs and non-food items have been sent to the North which is for people in evacuation centres and those in need.

Australia and New Zealand are working with Fiji to assess the damage caused by TC Yasa.

Yesterday, an Australian P-8A aircraft took to the skies to conduct an initial aerial assessment of the destruction.

The P-8A Poseidon has advanced sensors and mission systems, including a state-of-the-art multi-role radar and high definition cameras.

Meanwhile, the Technical Advisor of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, WO Dave Lark says RNZAF aircraft conducted aerial surveillance in the North to help assess the extent of damage that has been caused to schools, villages, hospital and health centres.

It was an experience that the people of Coboi in Bua will never be able to forget as Tropical Cyclone Yasa nearly killed a 2 weeks old baby.

Coboi Sanatan School Headteacher Ramesh Kumar says the baby was sleeping when a piece of timber fell just next to the baby.

Kumar says there were almost 60 people taking shelter in the school.

Vice President of the school Deo Chand also told Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum that they had to cut the floor of one of the buildings so that people could escape from underneath the floor as the building had started to shake.

53-year-old Chand says he has never seen or experienced anything like TC Yasa.

Sayed-Khaiyum visited the school yesterday.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is currently in the Northern Division to visit areas that have been severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Minister for Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu briefed Bainimarama on the progress of relief work undertaken in the Northern Division.

50 personnel from the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces from Suva will be assisting authorities with cleaning up and distribution of rations to evacuation centres.

Bainimarama is expected to visit more areas affected by TC Yasa later today.

Minister for Agriculture, Dr Mahendra Reddy says as an immediate form of relief to farmers affected by TC Yasa in Northern Division, they are planning to provide them with planting materials so that they can immediately plant crops.

Dr Reddy says it is unfortunate that the agriculture sector in the Northern Division has suffered significantly which includes cash crops, vegetables and sugarcane farms.

He says agricultural officers are on the ground to conduct an assessment to put a dollar value to the damages after which they will be able to assist these farmers in the long term.

Dr Reddy adds he cannot comment on what assistance will be provided to sugarcane farmers as the Sugar Ministry will decide on that.

The Director of National Disaster Management Office, Vasiti Soko says Water Authority of Fiji’s quick fix team has left for Vanua Levu last night to assist the teams that are already on the ground to mobilise water supply in affected areas as soon as possible.

Soko says WAF teams have also left with additional water tanks to assist these people.

She says the area of concern is Bua and they understand that people in Labasa have water now.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says most of the people in Northern Division are in need of utilities and in particular water and they will ensure that they are given access to this quickly.

Sayed-Khaiyum says once the people have access to water and other utilities, they can start rebuilding their homes.

He says some people need immediate assistance as most of them will be staying in the evacuation centers for a long time while some need long term assistance.

The Minister for Economy adds that some people have been given immediate assistance and the National Disaster Management Office is looking at how quickly they can assist the affected people.

Sayed-Khaiyum says a lot of people are showing resilience and are rebuilding their homes on their own and most of them are keen to build their own homes.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the New Zealand aircraft is taking aerial shots and carrying out more detailed damaged assessment of areas which are difficult to reach.

Ponipate Baleinabau of Votua village in Lekutu, Bua is thankful that no one from his village was injured or died after monstrous Tropical Cyclone Yasa wreaked havoc in the Northern Division.

Baleinabau says they started experiencing strong winds from 6pm Thursday and it lasted after 1am Friday.

He says they were thinking that the destructive winds will only last for about 3 to 4 hours.

Baleinabau further says some of the villagers left for the evacuation centre while others remained in the village because the restrooms and other services were further away from the evacuation centre.

He adds they were singing hymns and praying at the evacuation centre for their lives and for those at the village.

Baleinabau says they are thankful that when they returned, the villagers were safe and well.

The National Disaster Management Office has deployed 10,000 food ration packs and non-food items to affected villages and communities in the Northern Division.

NDMO Director Vasiti Soko says they are sending 10,000 food ration packs which is for people in evacuation centres and for those in need.

She says their teams are conducting the initial damage assessments.

Soko says upon the completion of this assessment, they will be in a better position to determine the details of assistance required.

She adds in the meantime, they are prioritizing deployment of food and availability of non-food items to Vanua Levu.

Soko says they have been receiving queries from businesses, communities and individuals who want to support those who are in need.

She has requested if they can seek guidance from NDMO or the Divisional Officers so that assistance is not duplicated.

Minister for Education Rosy Akbar says there is a lot of work cut out for them and she hopes they are able to work out a solution for the students when they return to school for 2021.

Akbar says they will have talks with the Ministry of Economy, the National Disaster Management Office and other stakeholders to ensure they rebuild or rehabilitate schools that have suffered extensive damages or destruction by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

She adds Lekutu Secondary School is one of the worst affected schools.

Akbar is currently in the Northern Division and says this will enable them to see the full extent of damages.

As of yesterday, the Ministry of Education reported that 28 schools in the North, Yasawa and Mamanuca suffered extensive damages due to TC Yasa.

Year 12 and 13 students who are yet to sit for their papers will have their exams on next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Permanent Secretary for Education, Anjeela Jokhan says those students who do not sit these exams will be awarded marks based on their performance throughout the year, in line with the Ministry’s External Examinations and Assessment Policy.

She says for clarity, students who sat for the examination prior to TC Yasa will be assessed on those examination papers.

Jokhan says the Ministry will also provide counselling support to students severely impacted by TC Yasa.

Year 12 and 13 students who are yet to sit for their papers will have their exams on next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Permanent Secretary for Education, Anjeela Jokhan says those students who do not sit these exams will be awarded marks based on their performance throughout the year, in line with the Ministry’s External Examinations and Assessment Policy.

She says for clarity, students who sat for the examination prior to TC Yasa will be assessed on those examination papers.

Jokhan says the Ministry will also provide counselling support to students severely impacted by TC Yasa.

The National Federation Party says massive rehabilitation is needed to rebuild lives and is calling the government to authorize FNPF to allow withdrawals by members affected by the cyclone, to help in the rehabilitation of homes and purchase basic household items.

Party leader Professor Biman Prasad says FNPF should also allow members not affected by the disaster or impacted by COVID-19 to withdraw funds to help immediate relatives who are not members of the Fund like cane growers, farm labourers and villagers.

He says the government should also approve a house rehabilitation package with minimum assistance of $5,000 to re-build badly damaged and destroyed homes, and this assistance must be in the form of cash.

Prasad says the sugar industry has taken a battering as the sugarcane crop in Labasa and Seaqaqa cane districts have been destroyed adding a massive crop rehabilitation package is needed in the form of direct assistance to growers.

He is also asking the government to deploy RFMF engineers to inspect and repair badly damaged schools and infrastructure essential for basic services like water supply and health facilities.

The Permanent Secretary for Education, Anjeela Jokhan says as of this morning, 28 schools in the Northern Division and Yasawa have sustained extensive damages.

Jokhan says some of the schools have their libraries and teachers quarters damaged while others have their roofs blown off and some are destroyed.

She says assessments are ongoing and they will be able to decide on the new school opening dates after the full assessment of damages are done.

Vodafone Fiji has activated its “Vodafone Red Alert TC Yasa Relief” initiative, under which 500 cartons of essential food items, basic tools and tarpaulins worth around $100,000 will be distributed to families in the most affected areas in Vanua Levu.

They will start the distribution tomorrow.

Vodafone acting CEO Ronald Prasad says to further assist their customers, they will be providing free 20GB data, 100 minutes of on-net voice calls and 100 SMS to all customers in the affected regions.

Prasad says to access this free V-Care Plan, customers in the affected regions can dial *212# to subscribe to the plan.

He adds their teams have been able to restore 80 percent of network connectivity to the affected areas.

The Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo has handed over a cheque of $210,000 emergency assistance on behalf of the Red Cross Society of China to the Fiji Red Cross Society for TC Yasa Relief.

Bo commended that the Fijian government had lost no time in doing its utmost to protect the lives of people and the Fiji Red Cross has also taken active measures in the frontline.

He says their feelings are with those who lost their loved ones and have suffered property damage and losses.

He adds they are confident that under the strong leadership of the Fijian Government, and with the help of the international community, the Fijian people will overcome difficulties and resume their normal lives as soon as possible.

Villagers of Kabara are currently searching for a 35-year-old woman who went missing yesterday after she went out to look for ivi.

The representative of the Tikina of Kabara Tukana Rokobuli says the woman went out to look for ivi when the weather was calm but destructive winds started again.

It is understood the woman went out while the eye of TC Yasa was passing, thinking that the calm weather meant Yasa was gone.

Rokobuli says they could not mobilise a search team because of destructive winds and heavy rain that was experienced for about 6 hours.

He says they tried contacting the Lakeba Police Station but it wasn't connecting so they informed Police in Suva.

We have also contacted Police about the missing woman.

He says villagers went searching for her last night and also this morning but there was no sign of her. The village headman also took a search party out at sea.

Rokobuli further says most of the houses in the village were damaged by strong winds and those families are now taking shelter at the village hall.

Rokobuli adds their farms and the Post Office were also damaged.

He highlighted that this has been one of the worst cyclones to hit Kabara.

The National Disaster Management Office has deployed 10,000 food ration packs and non-food items to affected villages and communities in the Northern Division.

NDMO Director Vasiti Soko says they are sending 10,000 food ration packs which is for people in evacuation centres and for those in need.

She says their teams are conducting the initial damage assessments.

Soko says upon the completion of this assessment, they will be in a better position to determine the details of assistance required.

She adds in the meantime, they are prioritizing deployment of food and availability of non-food items to Vanua Levu.

Soko says they have been receiving queries from businesses, communities and individuals who want to support those who are in need.

She has requested if they can seek guidance from NDMO or the Divisional Officers so that assistance is not duplicated.

The National Disaster Management Office has confirmed two more fatalities because of Tropical Cyclone Yasa bringing the total to 4.

NDMO Director, Vasiti Soko says one man aged 50 years died in Ra while a 70 year old man passed away in Yadua, Bua.

Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu had earlier said the man from Yadua was inside his home when the roof blew away and a timber fell and hit his head.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama had confirmed yesterday that Tropical Cyclone Yasa had claimed the life of a 3-month-old baby and a 45-year-old farmer near Labasa.

A 67-year-old man is the third confirmed fatality due to Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

This has been confirmed by Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu.

Seruiratu says the man was from Yadua Island in Bua and was inside his home when the roof blew away and a timber fell and hit his head.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama had confirmed yesterday that Tropical Cyclone Yasa had claimed the life of a 3-month-old baby and a 45-year-old farmer near Labasa.

[Source: Dee Taoi/ Facebook]

The National Disaster Management Office says they are looking at as early as tomorrow to mobilize a team to deploy food rations to areas affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

The NDMO says they will look into the Northern Division and await the weather to clear out for the Eastern Division.

Fijivillage has received calls from people in Moala, Labasa, Savusavu and Seaqaqa that they need food supplies as whatever little they have is not enough to sustain them for the long run.

We have notified NDMO.

National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad says it is heartbreaking to see the devastation and destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Prasad left for the Northern Division yesterday.

He says it is important that they see their people immediately, be with them and understand what they are going through.

Prasad says hopefully he will be able to visit as many people as possible in the coming days.

An urgent call for assistance is being made to help those who have been severely affected by Monster Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

The Rotary Club of Peninsula Sunset has started a disaster relief initiative to help the victims of Cyclone Yasa in the Northern Division.

Community Service Director Prashant Anuraag says the initiative started after seeing the video footage of the destruction that was done by Yasa in the North.

93,000 Fijians were in the direct path of the cyclone.

Anuraag says when he saw the video clip he decided to start an initiative to assist the families who have been badly affected by the cyclone.

He says they are aiming to collect the items by Wednesday and hope to deliver it to the North on Friday.

Anuraag says they are thankful that one of their Rotarian members who is with CDP Courier Services will be shipping the items to Labasa in the next couple of days.

People can donate towards this worthy cause by dropping the items they would like to donate to their office at 50 Siga Road Laucala Beach Estate opposite International School Suva or contact Prashant Anuraag on 9968658/7968658.

You can also check out our Hands Across Fiji section of our website, fijivillage where we connect people needing assistance to help those severely affected by COVID-19 and TC Yasa to those who are looking at initiatives to assist the worst affected.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama led a group of Government officials to visit areas affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa in the Central Division while Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is in the Northern Division with a team to visit affected areas.

Bainimarama visited villagers of Vutia in Rewa who were accommodated at their church hall because of flooding in the village that was caused by the heavy rain. He has reassured the villagers that help is on its way and the government is mobilising every resource available to assist in rehabilitation efforts for those severely affected TC Yasa.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Minister for Education Rosy Akbar, Minister for Agriculture Dr Mahendra Reddy and Minister for Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu are visiting the affected areas in the North.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has released initial early emergency relief funds of US $97,000 to provide urgent assistance including first aid, tarpaulins and shelter materials, safe water, household items and hygiene kits for 17,700 people over the next month.

Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Pacific Office Kathryn Clarkson says it is devastating to see another big cyclone affect Fiji so soon after Cyclone Harold and so close to Christmas.

She says they have a full team of people supporting the Fiji Red Cross Society operations and will be looking to increase their financial support once they get the full picture of the damages.

Fiji Red Cross Society Director-General Ilisapeci Rokotunidau says they are very concerned for the safety of thousands of people who have experienced the brunt of this monster storm.

Red Cross volunteers are currently deployed to provide first aid and relief items such as tarpaulins for shelter, hygiene kits, safe water, backed by pre-positioned emergency supplies.

As of 5pm yesterday, 18,828 people are currently taking shelter at 389 evacuation centres around the country.

The National Disaster Management Office says 3,657 people are currently in 78 evacuation centres in the Northern Division.

The NDMO says 5,775 people are in 148 evacuation centres in the Central Division.

7,775 people are in 126 evacuation centres in the Western Division while 1,621 people are in 37 evacuation centres in the Eastern Division.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says the Build Back Better initiative has proved to be successful as many of the buildings that were rebuilt after Tropical Cyclone Winston has withstood the wrath of Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

The two buildings he commissioned in June in Nabouwalu for the Bua Provincial Council staff withstood the destructive winds at the height of TC Yasa last night.

He says he has also received reports from Koro Island that the schools, homes and government offices built after TC Winston was able to survive the massacre brought on by TC Yasa.

In 2016, after the destruction brought by TC Winston, Bainimarama had announced that government's number one priority was to rebuild Fiji and to build back better - stronger than before.

He had said that they would build public infrastructure and housing to proper standards to withstand cyclones and to save money and the misery TC Winston had caused.

Digicel Fiji says they continued to provide network service to their customers during the face of Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasa and were the only means of communication for many mobile users in Vanua Levu at the height of the cyclone.

CEO, Farid Mohammed says despite the heavy rain and destructive winds, their network was operational in most parts of Vanua Levu.

However he says there are some damages to their cell sites in Vanua Levu and services are disrupted in isolated areas of Labasa, Bua and Savusavu.

Mohammed says their technical teams are on the ground in Vanua Levu and trying to restore services to affected customers.

He says Digicel understands the importance of staying in touch with families during these difficult times.

The people of Nasoki Village in Moala are asking the government for assistance in terms of food supply as most of their food source was damaged by Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Viliame Titoko of Nasoki Village says some of the men went out to their farms today and saw that their crops have all been damaged.

Titoko says now they are sharing whatever they have but it is not enough to sustain them.

He says none of the houses in the village were damaged however their farms have been destroyed.

He adds most of the villagers are currently taking shelter at Moala Primary and Secondary School, the Moala Health Centre and other government departments.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Tropical Cyclone Yasa has claimed the life of a 3-month-old baby and a 45-year-old farmer near Labasa.

Bainimarama says they sadly expect fatalities to rise.

The Prime Minister says after an eastward shift from its original path, just over 93,000 Fijians found themselves in the direct path of TC Yasa.

2 people have passed away due to Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

The Director of the National Disaster Management Office, Vasiti Soko says one death was recorded in the North and one in the Western Division.

Soko says they are waiting for the Ministry of Health to confirm as to how the two passed away before they release more information.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has assured people that have been impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa that help is on the way.

Bainimarama says they will reach the people with relief supplies.

He says they are mobilising every resource available to respond in areas severely affected by this most recent super-cyclone.

The Prime Minister adds they have about 24,000 Fijians in evacuation centres across Fiji and they will keep these centres open as long as necessary.

He says they will continue to assess the scale of damages in the coming days, but they are likely looking at hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.

Meanwhile, Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says they hope to see government roll out its assistance package in the next few days now that a national disaster has been declared.

Chaudhry says civil servants and the Police Force deserve special thanks as they kept people informed and safe.

There is flash flooding in parts of Nausori.

Roneel Narayan of Lokia, Nausori says there is almost 2 feet of water around their homes.

He says the road is also flooded.

Parts of Koronivia and Toga are also flooded.

The Nadi Weather Office says the water level in the Rewa River is 0.6 metres above alert level and increasing.

Lokia, Nausori. 2pm 18/12/2020. [images: Roneel Narayan]

A couple in Batinikama, Labasa are still in shock, scared and devastated after their house was destroyed in a matter of seconds last night.

Raksha Singh and her family were stuck in a corner of their home after almost half of their house was blown away due to strong winds brought by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Singh says in her 36 years of life, she has never experienced this type of cyclone and it was just terrible.

She says their food supplies has been destroyed however their neighbor is preparing lunch for them.

Singh says almost all houses in their area has sustained some form of damage.

She says all the vegetables have been destroyed and livestock killed.

Singh says they will stay in one room which has a roof on and will put on tarpaulin on the other side of the house.

The centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa is located about 40 kilometres West of Lakeba and has been downgraded to a Category 3 Cyclone.

Close to its centre the TC Yasa currently has winds upto 155 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 220 kilometres per hour.

A hurricane warning remains in force for Yacata, Cicia, Nayau, Vanuabalavu, Lakeba, Oneata, Vanuavatu, Moce, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Ogea, Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau.

A storm warning remains in force for Taveuni and nearby smaller islands and Koro Island.

A gale warning remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu, Matuku, Moala and Totoya, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Yadua, Galoa, Kia and Mali.

The cyclone is moving South East at about 30 kilometres per hour.

The Nadi Weather Office says the cyclone is expected to exit Fiji waters as early as tomorrow morning as a Category 2 Cyclone.

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

A storm surge and damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for Southern coast of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and Lau group.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the interior and Eastern parts of Viti Levu, Southern parts of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and Lau group.

A flood warning remains in force for major rivers of Vanua Levu, for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Vatukacevaceva and downstream of Rakiraki Town and Korovou, Waimanu, Waidina, Qawa, Bagata, Dreketi, Lekutu and Lagalaga rivers.

A flash flood warning remains in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to small streams of Vanua Levu and low lying areas of Eastern half of Viti Levu.

The cyclone gained speed yesterday and the centre made landfall late yesterday afternoon over Bua Province instead of the projected 8pm timeline by the Nadi Weather Office. This was based on the system moving faster than expected however it was already highlighted that hurricane force winds were expected before the centre passes.

TC Yasa also spent almost the whole night slowly moving over Vanua Levu.

It also took a more south easterly direction and did not take the projected path which has also spared Eastern Viti Levu including Suva and Nausori areas that were earlier under hurricane warning.

Many houses in Vanua Levu have been destroyed, some families had to shelter in corners of houses, under beds and tables and some even had to shelter in cane plantations as Cyclone Yasa wreaked havoc in many parts of the Northern Division overnight.

The National Disaster Management Office confirms emergency personnel can only go out when it is safe to do so.

Related stories;

TC Yasa leaves a trail of destruction in Nasau Village, Koro

More than 7 houses in Naveria, Savusavu suffer damages due to TC Yasa

People in Moala face destructive winds

Tabia family survive the wrath of TC Yasa by staying under their house for 5 hours

Mumtaz Bano and her family of four from Yalava, Tabia in Labasa are thankful that they survived the wrath of Tropical Cyclone Yasa after taking shelter under their house from 6.30pm to 11pm last night.

Bano says they started experiencing destructive winds at around 4pm yesterday and the roof of their house blew away at around 6.30pm.

She says at around 11pm, she and her family slept in their kitchen with wet clothes.

Bano adds they had biscuit and water for breakfast this morning.

She says they are thinking how to repair their house and they cannot go anywhere as the road is flooded.

23,413 people in evacuation centres

Queens and Kings Highways open

The Fiji Roads Authority confirms that Queens and Kings Highways are open.

There is a single lane open along Kings Highway just past Nabulini in Wainibuka due to a landslide.

The FRA says 72 roads are closed due to flooding, landslides and fallen trees.

Please note the entrance through Assemblies of God High School which is on Velau Drive in Kinoya is currently closed due to fallen trees and broken power lines.

There are fallen power lines and debris along Nabouwalu Road, Seaqaqa.

Some schools in Vanua Levu have suffered extensive damages

Bus operators Association waiting for clearance from NDMO

Curfew finished at 6am today – Soko

Permanent Secretaries to decide on whether civil servants have to report to work

Australia and New Zealand have reaffirmed their support for Fiji to help in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes has tweeted that Australia stands ready to provide immediate TC Yasa support to the Fijian Government in whatever way they can.

🇦🇺 stands ready to provide immediate #TCYasa support to @FijianGovt in whatever way we can. 🙏 for 🇫🇯. #Vuvale

— John Feakes (@AusHCFJ) December 17, 2020

New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Johnathan Curr says they will be supporting the Fijian government’s relief efforts to affected communities as soon as possible.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa has left a devastating trail of destruction in Nasau Village and nearby communities in Koro this morning.

Panapasa Nayabakoro who resides in Nasau Village says most of the houses have been destroyed which includes government quarters as well.

He says some government officials and villagers are currently doing clean-up and what they saw this morning reminds them of the devastation that was caused by TC Winston in 2016.

He adds 32 people are currently sheltering at the Nasau Health Centre and the rest are in the schools.

Nayabakoro says they are still experiencing strong winds and rain and the safety of the people is paramount at this stage.

More than seven houses in Naveria, Savusavu has suffered extensive damages due to severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

A resident, Mohammed Hussain says the roof of their home was blown away at around 9.15 last night.

Hussain says they have food supplies however all their clothes and beddings are wet.

He says they are planning to gather the remains of the roof to repair their house as he is already affected by COVID-19 and is on reduced hours.

People in Moala are currently facing destructive winds and heavy rain.

Josaia Wanisi of Vaturogo Village in Naroi, Moala says they started experiencing rain and strong winds from last night but it intensified this morning.

He says some of the houses and roofs have been damaged by the strong wind brought in by Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Wanisi says they have moved about 9 families to the fisheries department on the island while other villages are currently taking shelter at the Moala Primary and Secondary School.

Mumtaz Bano and her family of four from Yalava, Tabia in Labasa are thankful that they survived the wrath of Tropical Cyclone Yasa after taking shelter under their house from 6.30pm to 11pm last night.

Bano says they started experiencing destructive winds at around 4pm yesterday and the roof of their house blew away at around 6.30pm.

She says at around 11pm, she and her family slept in their kitchen with wet clothes.

Bano adds they had biscuit and water for breakfast this morning.

She says they are thinking how to repair their house and they cannot go anywhere as the road is flooded.

23,413 people are currently taking shelter at 456 evacuation centres around the country.

The Director of the National Disaster Management Office Vasiti Soko says 3,468 people are currently in 74 evacuation centres in the Northern Division.

Soko says 5,258 people are in 139 evacuation centres in the Central Division.

12,396 people are in 192 evacuation centres in the Western Division.

2,291 people are in 51 evacuation centres in the Eastern Division.

Dama District School, Dreketi Primary School and Coboi District School in Vanua Levu have suffered extensive damages.

We are currently trying to speak to the Minister for Education, Rosy Akbar on the confirmation on the number of schools that have been damaged.

It has been a very difficult couple of hours for many families as Tropical Cyclone Yasa swept through the Northern Division last night and early this morning.

A couple in Batinikama, Labasa were stuck in a corner of their home after almost half of their house was blown away due to strong winds.

Raksha Singh says they are safe and are staying at a relative’s home with their 13-year-old daughter and 2-year-old baby.

Last night, we also received reports of five families sheltering underneath the floor of a house in Nasarawaqa, Bua after their homes were blown away.

According to reports, these people could not call for help as their phones were wet.

Some families were sheltering under beds as their roofs were blown away in Tabia.

About 9 houses in Yalava, Tabia were flattened to the ground.

A family in Vunivere, Seaqaqa took shelter in a corner of their house after almost half of their roof was blown away by strong winds.

Liaqat Ali says some other houses in the area also suffered severe damages.

Destructive winds are continuing to be felt in Qamea Island.

Stan Mitchell and his wife who live in Niubavu Estate have been taking shelter in their bathroom out of fear that their home will be blown away.

He says the roof of their porch has been blown away.

The centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa is located about 50 kilometres North North West of Koro and continues to track into the Koro Sea and then to Southern Lau.

Yasa is taking this path after leaving a trail of destruction in Vanua Levu.

The cyclone gained speed yesterday and the centre made landfall late yesterday afternoon over Bua Province instead of the projected 8pm timeline by the Nadi Weather Office. This was based on the system moving faster than expected however it was already highlighted that hurricane-force winds were expected before the centre passes.

TC Yasa also spent almost the whole night slowly moving over Vanua Levu.

It also took a more southeasterly direction and did not take the projected path which has also spared Eastern Viti Levu including Suva and Nausori areas that were earlier under hurricane warning.

Many houses in Vanua Levu have been destroyed, some families had to shelter in corners of houses, under beds and tables and some even had to shelter in cane plantations as Cyclone Yasa wreaked havoc in many parts of the Northern Division overnight.

The National Disaster Management Office confirms emergency personnel can only go out when it is safe to do so.

Close to its centre the TC Yasa currently has winds up to 205 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 285 kilometres per hour.

The cyclone is moving South East at about 22 kilometres per hour.

We have received reports that people in Koro are experiencing hurricane-force winds.

A hurricane warning remains in force for the Eastern half of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Yacata, Cicia, Nayau, Vanuabalavu, Lakeba, Oneata, Vanuavatu, Moce, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Ogea, Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau.

A storm warning remains in force for the Western half of Vanua Levu, Cikobia and rest of Lomaiviti group.

A gale warning remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu, Matuku, Moala and Totoya, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Yadua, Galoa, Kia and Mali.

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

A storm surge and damaging heavy swell warning remain in force for Southern coast of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and Lau group.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the interior and Eastern parts of Viti Levu, Southern parts of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and Lau group.

A flood warning remains in force for major rivers of Vanua Levu, for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Vatukacevaceva and downstream of Rakiraki Town and Korovou, Waimanu and Waidina rivers.

A flash flood warning remains in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to small streams of Vanua Levu and low lying areas of Eastern half of Viti Levu.

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The centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa is now located about 60 kilometres South-East of Labasa and continues to move in a southeasterly direction as it goes over the Koro Sea and over Southern Lau.

Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds up to 220 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 315 kilometres per hour.

The cyclone is moving South East at about 18 kilometres per hour.

Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Yadua, Galoa, Kia and Mali are now only under a gale warning.

A hurricane warning remains in force for Eastern half of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Koro, Yacata, Cicia, Nayau, Vanuabalavu, Lakeba, Oneata, Vanuavatu, Moce, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Ogea, Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau.

A storm warning remains in force for the western half of Vanua Levu, Cikobia, Matuku, Moala and Totoya and rest of Lomaiviti group.

A storm surge and damaging heavy swell warning remain in force for coastal waters of Rotuma, Eastern coast of Viti Levu, Southern coast of Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and Lau group.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the interior and Eastern parts of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and Lau group.

A flood warning remains in force major rivers in Vanua Levu, for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Vatukacevaceva and downstream of Rakiraki Town and Korovou, Waimanu and Waidina rivers. A flash flood warning remains in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to small streams of Vanua Levu and low lying areas of the Eastern half of Viti Levu.

For the Eastern half of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Koro, Yacata, Cicia, Nayau, Vanuabalavu, Lakeba, Oneata, Vanuavatu, Moce, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Ogea, Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau - expect very destructive hurricane-force winds upto 220 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 315 kilometres per hour, periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

For Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Yadua, Galoa, Kia and Mali - expect damaging gale force winds with average speeds upto 85 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts upto 120 kilometres per hour, occasional rain, heavy at times and few thunderstorms over the Eastern parts and interior of Viti Levu.

Meanwhile, many houses in Vanua Levu have been destroyed, some families had to shelter in corners of houses, under beds and tables and some even had to shelter in cane plantations as Cyclone Yasa wreaked havoc in many parts of the Northern Division overnight.

The National Disaster Management Office confirms emergency personnel can only go out when it is safe as destructive winds continue in Vanua Levu.

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UNICEF ready to assist Fiji after TC Yasa

Destructive winds and heavy rain are currently being felt in Nasau Village in Koro and people have been relocated to two evacuation centres.

Panapasa Nayabakoro says 32 people are currently sheltering at the Nasau Health Centre and the rest are in a school.

He says most of their houses are flooded and others had their houses blown away.

Nayabakoro says no one can sleep as rain has entered the evacuation centre.

UNICEF is on standby to support the Government of Fiji to respond to the urgent needs of families affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

UNICEF Pacific Representative, Sheldon Yett says they are on standby to provide support to the government to respond to the urgent needs of families and children who will be affected by the disastrous impacts of Cyclone Yasa.

He says they will work with government, civil society and other partners to provide clean water, and emergency health and education supplies for children in affected communities.

UNICEF says supplies like essential water, sanitation and hygiene items, including soap, water containers and buckets, to ensure children and families have access to clean drinking water as well as emergency health and midwifery kits, including basic drugs, medical supplies and equipment, are prepositioned and ready to be distributed to those most in need.

UNICEF is also ready to support communities by providing tents, and basic supplies to support learning needs and help children to regain a sense of normalcy as soon as possible after the disaster.

A teacher at Nacamaki District School in Koro, Ilisabeta Daurewa says they are experiencing damaging winds at the moment and several kitchen sheds in the village have been blown away.

She says more than 100 people are taking shelter in six classrooms at the school.

Daurewa says there is heavy rain and while they cannot see anything, they can hear waves continuing to crash through at the lower end of the village.

She says they cannot stop the rain from seeping into the windows and doors and for now they have moved all children to the dry places in the rooms while the men continue to stand guard.

She says Nacamaki District School is on high ground and they are safe for now.

Four families of Vunivau in Labasa are currently sheltering in a house without a roof.

Nandani Nand says they sheltered three families when they started experiencing destructive winds.

Nand says when their neighbours came seeking for help, they sheltered them and now their roof has blown away and some of them are soaking wet.

She says that she managed to get hold of a relative who then contacted the authorities about their situation.

People in Taveuni are experiencing damaging winds as Tropical Cyclone Yasa continues to wreak havoc in the Northern Division.

Sabin Prasad, who is a school teacher in Wairiki says the weather there is getting worse with a number of homes sustaining serious damages.

Prasad says he can see people running away with torches as it is highly likely that their homes have been blown away.

He adds the roofs of around six houses has sustained serious damages.

Damaging winds are already being experienced in Ovalau tonight.

A Levuka resident, Elesi Aditila is sheltering at Ovalau Island Resort.

She is there with her husband, son and four other people.

All guests left yesterday.

Aditila says as they brace for Cyclone Yasa, she hopes they do not have to go through the same situation during TC Winston where they had to rebuild everything.

People in Taveuni are still experiencing damaging winds as Tropical Cyclone Yasa continues to track out of the Northern Division.

Sabin Prasad, who is a school teacher at Wairiki Secondary School, says the situation there is really bad with the roofs of around six houses sustaining serious damages.

He is afraid that most houses which include his own will not stand for long if the strong winds continue.

Destructive winds are continuing to batter Savusavu this hour.

We spoke to Savusavu resident, Pettine Simpson moments ago.

A couple in Batinikama, Labasa is currently stuck in a corner of their home after almost half their house was blown away due to strong winds this evening.

Raksha Singh says her 13-year-old daughter and 2-year-old baby have been evacuated to a relative’s house nearby.

She says they are fearing for their lives.

Savusavu resident Mario Hellenbrand says the noise is unbelievable especially with the rain easing now and the destructive winds continuing. Hellenbrand says he is worried about the situation outside as he really can’t see anything.

He says all you can do is continuously check the house.

Residents in the Korovesi Sunshine Villas in Savusavu are currently experiencing destructive winds.

Avishek Ram says with the power out, only thing they can hear is flying debris.

Ram says the sound of the wind is scary itself let alone the sound of trees and tree branches breaking.

The Nadi Weather Office says the centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa is expected to exit Vanua Levu this hour however the hurricane-force winds will continue as the rest of the system continues to track out of the Northern Division.

The centre is currently just over Savusavu.

It is located about 50 kilometres South West of Labasa or about 65 kilometres North North West of Koro Island.

Yasa is wreaking havoc over Vanua Levu as many houses have been destroyed, some families are sheltering in corners of houses, under beds and tables and some are even sheltering in cane plantations.

The National Disaster Management Office confirms emergency personnel can only go out when it is safe as destructive winds continue in Vanua Levu.

At about 11pm tonight, the centre is expected to be located about 25 kilometres West North West of Koro or about 130 kilometres North East of Suva.

The cyclone forecasters say for Suva and Nausori areas – the warning has been downgraded from destructive hurricane force winds to damaging storm force winds for now as the centre of the cyclone has taken a more south easterly direction and will now go over Koro Sea onto Southern Lau.

At 11am tomorrow, the centre of TC Yasa is expected to be about 80 kilometres East of Moala or about 230 kilometres East of Suva.

Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds up to 240 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 345 kilometres per hour. The cyclone continues to move South East at about 18 kilometres per hour.

Destructive winds are likely to begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.

Widespread heavy rain poses the risk of river flooding and flash flooding of low lying and flood prone areas. With the ground already saturated, there is also risk of landslides in landslide prone areas.

Expect extremely rough seas having a significant wave height of 14 metres or more and damaging heavy swells. Storm surge with sea flooding of low lying coastal areas expected during high tides, with storm surge heights up to 3 metres expected along the coast when the cyclone centre passes nearby.

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The President of the Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Satish Kumar says they are facing a very scary situation at the moment.

He says it is entirely dark as there is no electricity and all they can do is sit together as a family and hope for the best.

We are getting reports that five families are currently sheltering underneath the floor of a house in Nasarawaqa, Bua after their homes got blown away.

The incident is believed to have occurred about an hour ago.

According to reports these people cannot call for help as their phones have been soaked in water.

We are also getting reports that some families are sheltering under beds as their roofs have been blown away in Tabia.

There has been extensive damage to some houses in Yalava in Tabia, Labasa.

Our reporter, Mohammed Feroz lives in Tabia and gave us an update moments ago.

A family in Vunivere, Seaqaqa is currently taking shelter in a corner of their house as almost half of their roof has been blown away by strong winds.

Liaqat Ali says they are only hoping that the winds do not get stronger because this will lead to their entire house being blown away.

He says some other houses in the area have also suffered severe damages.

Residents of Savusavu are currently experiencing damaging winds and heavy rain.

Avishek Ram who stays in Korovesi Sunshine Villas in Savusavu says they can see flying branches and trees.

He also the damaging winds are also intensifying.

4,000 people are currently sheltering in 73 evacuation centres in the province of Ra.

This has been confirmed to fijivillage by the Ra Provincial Administrator Elimi Rokoduru who says they restricted movement from earlier on in the day as there was widespread flooding experienced.

Rokoduru says these are people who are residing at the Naqoro Flats, the road to Vatukacevaceva, road to FSC and in some other villages in the province of Ra.

He says they are currently experiencing strong winds and heavy rain.

People in Labasa says the winds are getting much stronger.

A resident, Ronil Lal says the weather is getting really bad with small trees being uprooted and objects flying.

Lal says they started to experience strong winds at around 4pm.

Sanjay Nand of Tabia, Labasa says they are experiencing heavy rain and strong winds.

Nand says he has also seen some power poles shaking and trees being uprooted.

Seaqaqa resident Mohammed Ziahaul Khan says they are now experiencing destructive winds.

He says on a scale of 1 to 10, the strength of the winds would be at a 9.

Khan says they are lucky as they live in the town area because low lying areas in Seaqaqa are already flooded due to continuous rain all afternoon.

50 villagers in Dama, Bua evacuated

More than 50 villagers in Dama, Bua have moved to their village Hall as they brace for the worst TC Yasa can bring.

Villager Viliame Vakacere says about 20 families have left their homes and moved to safety while 8 are still in their secured houses.

Vakacere says they have been preparing since Monday.

There is a landslide along Kings Highway at Viwa.

The Fiji Roads Authority says their contractors are there to carry out clearing works.

50 villagers in Dama, Bua evacuated

More than 50 villagers in Dama, Bua have moved to their village Hall as they brace for the worst TC Yasa can bring.

Villager Viliame Vakacere says about 20 families have left their homes and moved to safety while 8 are still in their secured houses.

Vakacere says they have been preparing since Monday.

The Nadi Weather Office says the centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa is currently over Bua and the whole category 5 cyclone is expected to cross Vanua Levu over a 3 to 6 hour period.

The centre of the system will go over Nasau and exit Sawani in Vanua Levu.

Acting Director, Terry Atalifo says very destructive winds are being felt from Bua to Savusavu in Vanua Levu, and as the cyclone moves down further, Suva to Nausori areas will start getting destructive winds.

A hurricane warning remains in force for Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands including Yadua, Galoa, Kia and Mali, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Matuku, Moala, Totoya and Lomaiviti group and is now in force for Yacata, Cicia, Nayau, Lakeba, Oneata, Vanuavatu, Moce, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Fulaga and Ogea.

A storm warning remains in force for Yasawa group, Northern and Eastern half of Viti Levu (from Tavua to Rakiraki to Korovou, through to Suva to Navua) and Cikobia.

A gale warning remains in force for Mamanuca group, the rest of Viti Levu, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands and the rest of Lau group.

A storm surge and damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for coastal waters of Rotuma, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and Lau group.

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

A severe flood warning is in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Vatukacevaceva and downstream of Rakiraki Town.

A flash flood warning remains in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to small streams for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, areas adjacent to Dreketilailai to Qawa River, low lying areas and areas adjacent to Bagata River in Savusavu.

A flash flood alert remain in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to major rivers for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

For Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands, Yacata, Cicia, Nayau, Lakeba, Oneata, Vanuavatu, Moce, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Fulaga and Ogea - expect very destructive hurricane force winds upto 240 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts of upto 345 kilometres per hour, periods of heavy rain and squally thunderstorms, flash flooding of low lying areas expected, landslides likely especially with continuous heavy falls, phenomenal seas and damaging heavy swells.

Storm surge with sea flooding of low lying coastal areas expected during high tides, with storm surge heights up to 3 metres expected along the coast when the cyclone centre passes nearby.

For Yasawa group, Northern and Eastern half of Viti Levu (from Tavua to Rakiraki to Korovou, through to Suva to Navua) and Cikobia, Mamanuca group, the rest of Viti Levu - expect destructive storm force winds upto 110 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts of upto 155 kilometres per hour.

Heavy rain and damaging winds being experienced in Savusavu

4,000 people are currently sheltering in 73 evacuation centres in Ra

People in Labasa starting to experience very strong winds

Seaqaqa resident says they are experiencing destructive winds

Damage to houses and vegetation in Yasawa

50 villagers in Dama, Bua evacuated

Navua experiencing strong winds

Kings Highway closed at Rakiraki Flats

The Fiji Roads Authority says Kings Highway is closed at Rakiraki Flats.

The road there is flooded and it is inaccessible.

People in Navua have started experiencing strong winds.

Dhiren Chand who is the Advisory Councillor of Nasasa, Navua says they have been experiencing strong winds and at times heavy rain since 11 o’çlock this morning.

Chand says they are expecting winds to get much stronger later today.

Very destructive winds are now being felt in the islands across Yasawa and there has already been damage to houses in one village.

In Nasoqo village on the island of Naviti, seawater has started to enter the village compound.

Villager Waisea Stark says crops and trees have been uprooted and the roofs of some houses have been blown away but they will be able to get a much clearer picture of the situation when it is safe.

Mass evacuation was also carried out at Gunu village on Naviti Island.

Gunu villager, Anare Tiko says they moved to Gaunavou Primary School this morning and all the families residing in the school are surviving by sharing whatever they have.

A State of Natural Disaster has been declared for the whole of Fiji for the next 30 days.

While making the announcement NDMO Director, Vasiti Soko says this is active from yesterday.

Soko says this declaration will come with regulations.

She says this allows the NDMO to call on all of the government's assets to be on standby and be mobilized.

Soko says the declaration allows the NDMO to efficiently and effectively plan and coordinate the preparedness and response phases for Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

She says it will also assist NDMO, ministries and departments to manage and control activities to ensure the safety and security of the public.

The declaration means the evacuation of people in their own interests, or in order to facilitate the necessary operations of the Police or Military personnel, the temporary acquisition or control of any property, undertaking or land, the entering and searching of any premises and the supply and distribution of essential relief supplies, medical assistance, shelter or other resources.

It also means the maintenance of transportation by land, sea or air and the control of the transport of persons and resources, directing the movement of persons by land, sea or air in the interest of safety and prohibiting the unjustified exploitation of a disaster for profit.

Soko says this declaration was made upon the advice of the Emergency Committee, as per the powers conferred on the Cabinet by section 17 of the Natural Disaster Management Act 1998.

She says should members of the public require evacuation after 4pm, they can contact their District Office or Police Station nearest to them but has advised the public to ensure that all movements especially evacuations occur as much as possible before 4pm.

Under the declaration, any person, body or entity who contravenes any order made by an officer of the Fiji Police Force or the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces in performing a role or discharging a responsibility under these regulations commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.

The Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu has advised members of the public that curfew passes will be issued for emergency cases only.

This is in line with the directives by the National Disaster Management Office this afternoon in terms of the new curfew hours due to Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

The Acting Commissioner said unnecessary movement will be prohibited and passes will be issued for emergency cases only.

He adds that those who wish to travel due to emergency cases can obtain passes from NDMO or any of the Divisional Command Centres, Totogo Police Station, Korovou Police Station, Levuka Police Station, Vunidawa Police Station, Sigatoka Police Station, Nadi Police Station, Ba Police Station, Rakiraki Police Station, Tavua Police Station, Nabouwalu Police Station, Seaqaqa Police Station, Taveuni Police Station, Tukavesi Police Station, Savusavu Police Station, Navua Police Station, Lami Police Station, Nasinu Police Station and Valelevu Police Station.

The Acting Commissioner is reminding members of the public that officers will also be manning the checkpoint at various locations to ensure no unnecessary movement.

The Nadi Weather Office says the centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa is expected to make landfall over the province of Bua at 8pm tonight.

Yasa’s centre is expected to be located about 90 kilometres West South West of Labasa this evening.

Cyclone Yasa is located about 140 kilometres West North West of Labasa.

Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have very destructive winds upto 240 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 345 kilometres per hour.

The cyclone is moving East South East at about 24 kilometres per hour.

A hurricane warning remains in force for Yasawa group, Northern and Eastern half of Viti Levu (from Tavua to Rakiraki to Korovou, through to Suva to Navua), Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands including Yadua, Galoa, Kia and Mali, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Matuku, Moala, Totoya and Lomaiviti group.

A storm warning remains in force for Mamanuca group, the rest of Viti Levu, Cikobia and the rest of Lau group.

A gale warning remains in force for Rotuma, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

A storm surge and damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for coastal waters of Rotuma, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, :Lomaiviti and Lau group.

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

A severe flood warning is in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Vatukacevaceva and downstream of Rakiraki Town.

A flash flood warning remains in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to small streams for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, areas adjacent to Dreketilailai to Qawa River, low lying areas and areas adjacent to Bagata River in Savusavu.

A flash flood alert remain in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to major rivers for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

At 8am tomorrow, the centre of Yasa is expected to be about 165 kilometres East of Suva.

Destructive winds are expected this afternoon, tonight into tomorrow before the cyclone centre passes overhead or nearby.

Expect very destructive hurricane force winds upto 240 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts upto 345 kilometres per hour, periods of heavy rain and squally thunderstorms, flash flooding of low lying areas expected, landslides likely especially with continuous heavy falls, phenomenal seas and damaging heavy swells.

Storm surge with sea flooding of low lying coastal areas expected during high tides, with storm surge heights up to 3 metres expected along the coast when the cyclone centre passes nearby.

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531 people are currently sheltering in 24 evacuation centres in the Western, Central and Northern Division.

286 people are sheltering in 5 evacuation centres in the Western Division, 140 people in 7 centres in the North and 105 people in 12 evacuation centres in the Central Division.

Meanwhile Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says he stopped over at evacuation centres at the Delainamasi Government School and Bishop Kempthorne Memorial School to check on Fijians preparing for Cyclone Yasa’s arrival.

Bainimarama says there are now over 50 evacuation centres opened and occupied across the country.

You can use "Find my EC" by texting "EC" to 132877 using viber, messenger or sms. 

The Ministry of Health has relocated the Nausori Health Centre and the Maternity Unit to Vunimono Secondary School this morning.

This is due to Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa approaching the country.

The Ministry says there is a risk of flash flooding and a threat of structural damage is anticipated for the Nausori Health Centre.

They say there will be limited maternity services available, however, the CWM and Makoi Maternity Units will be on standby to accept maternity cases. The Ministry adds the Nausori Health Centre will be operating 24 hours from today.

About 40 people from Madhuvani, Rakiraki and nearby areas have evacuated to Madhuvani Sangam Primary School as they are experiencing destructive winds and heavy rain.

Advisory Councillor, Pardip Kumar says more people are coming in to take shelter and are calling him for assistance.

Villagers in Matacawalevu in Yasawa are starting to experience damaging winds and heavy rain.

Village headman, Jone Toge says the sea is starting to get rough and tree branches have started to fall.

He says they have restricted movement in the village.

Toge says a group of men are helping people move to their village hall which has been set up as a evacuation centre.

Flood waters have started to enter most of the shops in Rakiraki Town.

People residing near the town have started to move to evacuation centres as flood waters have started to enter their compounds.

Stay with us for more.

Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says the curfew will start from 4pm today.

Bainimarama has told Fijivillage that the curfew period will be from 4pm today to 6am tomorrow.

The Prime Minister has also tweeted that over 850,000 Fijians are in the direct path of the world’s strongest storm, category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Bainimarama says more than 95%  of Fiji’s population are in the direct path of TC Yasa.

He says people should prepare, take cover, take care and pray for Fiji.

The National Disaster Management is stressing that all public transportation services have been ceased until further notice.

A number of taxis and buses have been seen operating in the Suva and Nausori areas.

NDMO says they have spoken to Police and Police will be going around to speak to the public service providers.

Due to the approaching cyclone, the Association of Banks in Fiji confirms that all banks will be closed today and tomorrow until further notice.

Association of Banks in Fiji members includes ANZ Bank, BSP, Bank of Baroda, Bred Bank, HFC and Westpac.

Customers can access ATMs and other E-channels, throughout the country.

All Nasinu and Nausori markets will be closed from midday today and will remain closed tomorrow.

This has been confirmed by Nausori Market Manager, Jitendra Singh who says the council will monitor the situation tomorrow and decide on the opening of the market on Saturday.

Singh is also urging all roadside vendors to take necessary precautions and remove all the temporary sheds.

44 families that are close to the vicinity of Energy Fiji Limited’s transmission lines in Cunningham have been moved to the Delainamasi Primary School evacuation centre.

The National Disaster Management Office says they were moved with the help of first responders.

Yasawa has been experiencing heavy rain and strong winds from last night as Tropical Cyclone Yasa moves closer to the Fiji group.

Anare Tiko of Gunu Village in Naviti Island, Yasawa says at 3 this morning, they left for the Gaunavou Primary School.

He says a few coconut trees have been uprooted.

Meanwhile, Pastor Viliame Stark of Nasoqo Village in Naviti Island says the destructive winds are causing heavy swells and they have moved those families beside the sea to the evacuation centre at Gaunavou Primary School.

All public transport services have ceased until further notice.

This has been confirmed by the National Disaster Management Office.

However some buses have been providing services in Suva and Nausori areas.

Fiji Bus Operators Association President Nisar Ali Shah says they have issued a advisory for their members however they cannot stop individual bus operators from providing services.

Save the Children teams are monitoring the storm closely and stand ready to support the Government of Fiji to respond.

Save the Children Fiji CEO, Shairana Ali says the aid agency has stockpiles of aid including shelter, hygiene and education kits in key locations across the country.

Ali says they are ready to do whatever is needed to support affected children and families of Fiji.

She says the cyclone could have harmful impacts on children, both in terms of their physical and emotional well-being.

The Director of the National Disaster Management Office, Vasiti Soko says evacuation centres are open to allow people to move in if they feel their houses are not secure.

You can check the list of evacuation centres on our website, fijivillage

Soko says Divisional Commissioners are on the ground to inspect the centres so that it is safe to move in.

She has also confirmed that the MHCC and WG Friendship have been issued notices to secure their buildings.

Soko says that the letter has been issued by the Ministry of Local Government.

She says the cranes on MHCC and WG Plaza will be taken down before TC Yasa hits Fiji tomorrow.

Soko says these letters were also issued to other construction sites in Fiji.

Floodwaters have entered the compounds of 15 houses at the vulnerable River Road informal settlement in Narere.

It started flooding there at around 3.15 this afternoon.

River Road Settlement Committee President Leone Roko says some families will be moving to Nasinu Sangam School which is their evacuation centre.

He says firefighters are always helpful in relocating the residents.

Tavua District Office Chairman Umesh Prasad says people have taken heed of the cyclone warnings and shutters have been put up on all houses.

Prasad says the situation is very calm at the moment and they have been advising people to secure their homes and buy necessary items such as transistor radio, torch, tinned food and bottled water.

Nadi Chamber of Commerce President Dr Ram Raju says people have been preparing since yesterday which included the necessary shopping.

Another Nadi resident says he has seen people gather in numbers in supermarkets to buy necessary supplies.

Some residents of Nanuku Informal Settlement in Vatuwaqa have started to move from their home to evacuation centres as flood waters have started to enter their compounds.

Nanuku Community Health Worker and resident, Wakeleo Cakacaka-vakavo says they know location of their evacuation centres and they have started to move vulnerable families.

Cakacaka-vakavo says they have learnt from the other cyclones that they have experienced in moving early to evacuation centres early.

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has issued a stop travel order for all maritime transport involving passengers and cargo.

MSAF Chief Executive Officer Simon Gravenall says all shipmasters, owners and agents for foreign and local ships, pilots, port management operators, marinas and yacht clubs are to cease travel from today.

Gravenall also says in the exercise of the powers conferred to him under the Maritime Transport Act, he exempts ships from inward and outward clearances on the condition that ships do not carry any passengers and cargo when going out to sea for the sole purpose of taking necessary precautionary measures for the approaching Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Fiji Airways says all planes which include Airbus A350s, A330s and Boeing 737s will either operate their scheduled freight or repatriation services to Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, or be ferried to Sydney or Auckland over the next two days.

These planes will remain at those ports until weather conditions in Fiji allow for their safe return.

All Fiji Link aircraft will be secured inside the airline’s hangar facilities in Nadi.

The Hong Kong to Nadi repatriation flight which was scheduled to arrive in Fiji tomorrow, has been postponed. The flight will now arrive in Fiji on Monday 21st December.

The Nadi to Sydney repatriation flight scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled. Impacted customers will be booked on the next available Nadi to Sydney repatriation flight.

Fiji Airways says the special ‘FJ 679 Catch the Sunset Flight’, which was to operate on Saturday, has been postponed to now operate on 2nd January 2021.

Tomorrow, flights from Suva to Labasa, Labasa to Suva, Nadi to Labasa, Labasa to Nadi, Nadi to Suva, Suva to Nadi , Suva to Taveuni, Taveuni to Suva, Savusavu to Suva, Suva to Savusavu, Lakeba to Suva and Suva to Lakeba have been cancelled.

On Friday, flights from Suva to Nadi, Nadi to Suva, Nadi to Rotuma , Rotuma to Nadi, Suva to Labasa, Labasa to Suva, Suva to Taveuni, Taveuni to Suva, Suva to Koro, Koro to Suva, Savusavu to Suva and Suva to Savusavu have been cancelled.

People can call Fiji Airways on 6720888 or 3304388 for more information.

People should expect disruptions in power supply by tomorrow into Friday as Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasa continues to head towards Fiji.

CEO of Energy Fiji Limited, Hasmukh Patel says the restoration process and time taken will depend on the extent of the damages caused by the system as it took them 7 months to restore power after TC Winston which cost $35 million.

Patel says the survey on the extent of damage will be carried out using a helicopter immediately after the system passes Fiji.

He says they will first restore power to the health centres and hospitals and then they will focus on water pumping stations. They will then focus on the city area and then the residential areas.

If they see any broken power lines, please call them on 913 to report it.

The Fiji Bus Operators Association has announced that long haul bus services will be halted from this evening while it is uncertain if bus services will be able to operate tomorrow.

From 7pm tonight, only skeleton bus services will operate where it is safe and possible to do so.

Association General Secretary Rohit Latchan says bus services need to be scaled back for the safety of drivers and the travelling public as people conclude final preparations for the impending cyclone.

Latchan says they cannot confirm if there will be bus services tomorrow.

He says bus drivers need to be released to prepare and be with their families as the cyclone approaches so services will be progressively reduced from this evening.

Bus operators are urged to take their directions from authorities and exercise wisdom in operating during this period.

Permanent Secretaries and employers should use their discretion on when to send workers home to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

This has been highlighted by the Director of the National Disaster Management Office, Vasiti Soko.

She says cabinet will also decide on the restriction of movement and review the curfew hours.

The Director of the National Disaster Management Office, Vasiti Soko says cabinet will decide on whether there will be any changes to curfew times.

Soko says there were discussions about the curfew while they were briefing the Prime Minister this morning.

She says the discussion is before cabinet now.

Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says through budgetary allocations and the Prime Minister’s Trust Fund they have approximately $3.5 million available on hand to meet any of the additional costs.

Sayed-Khaiyum says they are also in discussions with Fiji’s development partners.

He adds that currently Tropical Cyclone Yasa is projected to go through some major populated areas so the impact of that from an economic perspective will be vast.

Sayed-Khaiyum says lets pray and hope the cyclone changes its track.

Health Minister Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete has highlighted that the ministry has never been this prepared for any cyclone or disaster that Fiji has experienced.

Doctor Waqainabete says yesterday all command centres have been told to make sure that the facilities are prepared and they have a checklist which they have to go through.

He says from the measles outbreak, COVID-19 and the three tropical cyclones, the command centres has been operating and will continue to operate as COVID-19 is still an ongoing fight.

The Director of the National Disaster Management Office, Vasiti Soko says evacuation centres are open to allow people to move in if they feel their houses are not secure.

We are currently trying to get the confirmed list of evacuation centres.

Soko says Divisional Commissioners are on the ground to inspect the centres so that it is safe to move in.

She has also confirmed that the MHCC and WG Friendship have been issued notices to secure their buildings.

Soko says that the letter has been issued by the Ministry of Local Government.

She says the cranes on MHCC and WG Plaza will be taken down before TC Yasa hits Fiji tomorrow.

Soko says these letters were also issued to other construction sites in Fiji.

It is calm before the storm in the Mamanucas.

Speaking from Malolo-Lailai, Musket Cove Island Resort General Manager, Joseph Mar says it is better to be safe than sorry and they are preparing well for Cyclone Yasa.

He says they are putting all their boats into the marina and securing all their property.

Mar says they are keeping their fingers crossed that their resort is not badly affected by the cyclone.

All schools will remain closed as of 2.30pm today due to the cyclone warning currently in place for the whole of Fiji Group.

All external examinations that were scheduled for this afternoon and tomorrow for Years 12 and 13 students have been postponed. Papers will be rescheduled when the weather is favorable or when the Ministry makes a decision otherwise. All Heads of Schools are advised to ensure that all students sitting the external examination papers this morning must leave for home immediately. All staff may leave by 2pm upon ensuring that the school premises are fully secured.

Minister for Education, Rosy Akbar says Heads of Schools are to ensure that schools used and identified as evacuation centres should be prepared to accommodate those needing shelter and support.

Akbar is urging students and parents not to panic about the remaining papers but keep themselves safe during the cyclone.

She says at this stage the safety and well-being of staff and students is paramount.

People in Navua are taking precautionary measures such as tying down their houses, buying tinned food, batteries, bottled water and trimming trees.

Dhiren Chand who is the Advisory Councillor of Nasasa, Navua says most of the people he met this morning are aware of the severity of the cyclone and he is advising others to prepare for the worst.

Chand says they experienced heavy rain last night but things are very calm at the moment with a light breeze and no rain.

People in Lautoka have started to take the necessary precautions as they prepare for Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Fareena Khan-Barnes of Tavakubu says they have put up shutters and have stocked up on groceries.

Wairebetia resident Sheshant Kumar says people have started to secure their property from yesterday into today.

He says yesterday there was a lot of movement in the City as people were doing their shopping to stock up on supplies.

Kumar adds they are hoping for the best.

Yasawa villagers are bracing themselves for one of the most devastating tropical cyclones to enter the Fiji waters.

Pastor Viliame Stark who is serving at Nasoqo village in Naviti Island says they started preparing two days ago, putting up cyclone shutters and making sure every house in the village is secured.

Pastor Stark says they are now experiencing showers, strong winds and rough seas.

He says today they are out in the plantation collecting food rations for families and finalising other preparations that will take them through the cyclone period.

The National Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to operate 24 hours.

NDMO Director Vasiti Soko says this includes the Commissioners and District Officers.

Soko says if people know that their houses are not safe, they have to liaise with their District Officers now so they can move to the nearest evacuation centre.

Village headman of Yaroi in Matuku, Lau, Maikeli Lesukilakeba says while they are still in the process of rebuilding after TC Harold, they now have to focus on preparing for TC Yasa. Lesukilakeba says they will move to an evacuation centre located on high ground by this afternoon.

He has been working closely with the Weather Office staff in Matuku on disseminating information about Cyclone Yasa to the villagers.

He says they have already cleaned up the village and put up shutters on houses, especially the ones closer to the sea.

The village headman says the Weather Office has advised them that TC Yasa is going to be stronger than the last cyclone that caused havoc in Matuku. He says they are taking this seriously and have prepared accordingly.

Narikoso villagers in Ono, Kadavu are preparing themselves for the worst impact of Tropical Cyclone Yasa as it tracks closer to Fiji.

Semi Naqelevuki of Narikoso says he understands the impact of natural disasters on the village as he has gone through some of the worst cyclones that hit the country.

Naqelevuki says they have started to put up cyclone shutters in houses and are listening to the news for any updates on the weather.

He says they were one of the villages that were affected during TC Harold and Sarai at the beginning of the year.

Meanwhile, village social committee member Kelepi Saukitoga says they have discussed to use some of the new houses and the community hall as evacuation centres as these structures are Category 4 resilient.

Saukitoga says keeping everyone safe is their top priority for now.

The President of the Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Satish Chand says some businesses and people have begun preparations for TC Yasa as they can be seen putting up shutters and moving their stocks to higher shelves.

Chand says they are not taking the warning lightly as they have learnt the lesson from TC Winston and Harold.

However, he says people are not coming in numbers to buy essential items and he wants to urge them to start taking precautions now.

The Water Authority of Fiji says during a worst-case scenario, people may need to store water for at least 5 to 7 days as major damage to infrastructure will take some time to repair.

Chief Operating Officer Seru Soderberg says this is because severe damages to infrastructure is a possibility due to flooding and destructive winds associated with a category 5 cyclone.

Soderberg also says that blockages in the clarifier are usually due to high levels of turbidity and unfortunately if there is heavy rain then filters will get clogged.

However, he says they are currently conducting valve operations to get their reservoir levels as healthy as possible in anticipation of Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

Soderberg says this will enable them to sustain supply to people if there is a burst main and will give them enough time to fix the issue while customers continue to receive water.

He says they are also in the process of installing generator sets at all their critical water stations and areas which do not have generators will have bailing trucks to cater for any overflow.

Soderberg adds they are load testing which means they are putting the entire power requirements on the generator to ensure that it works.

The Ministry of Education has advised that all schools will be closed from today as a precautionary measure against Tropical Cyclone Yasa, except for Year 12 and 13 students who are sitting their exams.

Minister Rosy Akbar says heads of schools are advised to only allow students sitting external exams to attend school, as they have been working hard in studying and preparing for exams, and they do not want to disrupt their preparations.

Akbar says Year 1 to 11 students are to remain at home and parents are to ensure that these students do not travel to school tomorrow.

She says many of the schools will be used as evacuation centres during the cyclone.

The Minister has urged parents to be vigilant and ensure their children are protected from the intense weather conditions created by the cyclone and to ensure that they are not out during heavy winds and flooding.

Akbar says the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and give an update on tomorrow’s papers.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is urging communities to use this time to trim tree branches, clean drains, board up homes, prepare emergency kits, and take other steps to keep homes and communities safe.

Bainimarama says we should all prepare now for heavy rain, damaging winds, coastal inundation and flooding across the country.

He says we should not be caught off guard by this storm.

Bainimarama has also urged fishermen not go out fishing as this is not the time to test their skills at sea.

He says fishermen should listen to warnings and wait until they are given clearance to do so as no fish is worth the risk.

The Prime Minister is calling on people to know the location of their nearest evacuation centre.

He says people can use "Find my EC" by texting "EC" to 132877 using viber, messenger or sms or call 3319250.

Tropical Cyclone Yasa has rapidly intensified and is now a category 4 system as it heads towards us.

A Tropical Cyclone Alert is now in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Northern half of Viti Levu (from Nadi through to Korovou), Northern half of Vanua Levu (from Nabouwalu through to Votua to Labasa through to Udu Point) and Rotuma.

The cyclone alert will be in force for the rest of the group from tomorrow.

A Heavy Rain Warning is now in force for the Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, eastern half of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands.

A Heavy Rain Alert is now in force for the rest of the Fiji Group.

A Flash Flood Alert remains in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to small streams for the interior of the main island; upper Nadarivatu, Monasavu, upper Wainimala, upper Sigatoka and upper Nadi area.

People need to take all the necessary precautionary measures as the Nadi Weather Office has analyzed that Cyclone Yasa will come right over Fiji as a very intense category 4 or 5 cyclone from this Thursday.

The Weather Office says Cyclone Yasa is located about 580 kilometres West North West of Nadi. Yasa is currently moving North East towards us at 8 kilometres per hour.

Forecasters say the effects will start from later tomorrow. Continuous heavy rain is expected to result in flooding in parts of Fiji.

Strong to gale force winds will also start over Yasawa and Mamanuca from tomorrow night.

Cyclone Yasa is expected to remain slow moving for the next 12 hours and remain over open waters.

From midday tomorrow, Yasa is expected to pick up speed as it tracks towards us.

Acting Director of the Nadi Weather Office, Terry Atalifo says Cyclone Yasa will maintain it’s intensity and is expected to become a category 5 with hurricane winds by the time the centre of the system lies over Yasawa and Mamanuca.

People living in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and other islands in the Fiji group can expect damaging to destructive winds from Thursday.

Atalifo says Cyclone Yasa is a large system which has a distance of 400 kilometres from end to end. Please note that damaging to destructive winds, storm surges and heavy rain will affect areas hours before and after the centre of the cyclone passes.

Yasa’s centre is expected to go between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu from Thursday to Friday, which means people can expect damaging to destructive winds, gusting to 230 kilometres per hour.

Atalifo says people in heavily populated areas like Suva to the Nausori corridor can expect damaging winds and heavy rain on Thursday and destructive to very destructive winds on Friday.

Cyclone Yasa may cause widespread power failure, blow away roofs and cause considerable damage to structures especially weak-structured houses and even cause damage to well built houses.

Damaging winds can also uproot big trees and cause total damage to shallow rooted plants and crops.

Due to anticipated widespread heavy rain, there is risk of river flooding and flash flooding of low lying and flood prone areas.

From tomorrow we can expect high waves more than 6 metres over southwest Viti Levu waters, Yasawa and Mamanuca waters and Kadavu Passage. Areas that can get affected by coastal flooding are Northern Vanua Levu (from Bua to Labasa onto Udu Point), Northern Viti Levu (from Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka to Ba, Rakiraki onto Tailevu) Mamanuca and Yasawa.

Avoid going out to sea as there are already high waves out in the open waters.

Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Zazu is currently over Tonga and is expected to drift southeastwards away from Tonga and poses no direct threat to the Fiji Group.

Please be prepared for the impending cyclone. Secure your homes, ensure that you or your neighbours do not have loose material that can fly around and cause damage during the devastating winds.

Have your supplies ready, have some standby food and water, ensure you have a transistor radio and batteries to follow the weather reports on Legend FM and ensure you have emergency lights and torches.

Stay with us for developments.

Do not be caught off guard by TC Yasa - PM

All schools closed today except for Year 12 and 13 students who are sitting their exams

Expect disruptions to bus services

A heavy rain alert has been issued for the Eastern half of Viti Levu which includes areas from Pacific Harbour, Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu and Rakiraki, and Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Yasawa and Mamanuca.

A flash flood warning has also been issued for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Vatukacevaceva to Rakiraki Town, Dreketilailai to Qawa River, Labasa, Upper Nadarivatu and Monasavu.

A flash flood alert is in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Sigatoka River, Tuva River and the upper Wainimala catchment.

People are advised to take necessary precautions as Tropical Cyclone Yasa is expected to make a clockwise loop, intensify into a Category 4 cyclone and head towards Fiji.

Category 2 TC Yasa was located about 640 kilometres West North West of Nadi at midnight.

At this stage, the Nadi Weather Office says Cyclone Yasa is expected to be located just to the West of Viti Levu with severe cyclone strength on Friday however people should be prepared for damaging winds as Yasa can come closer to us after the loop.

By Saturday, the system is expected to slip just to the West of Viti Levu and Kadavu and continue to move southward.

Expect the weather to gradually change for most places as the rain bands associated with Cyclone Yasa moves over the group later today and into tomorrow bringing continuous heavy rain especially over Yasawa and Mamanuca Group then gradually spreading to the rest of the group by Thursday.

Expect the heavy rain to persist into Saturday and gradually start easing from Sunday.

Due to anticipated widespread heavy rain, there is risk of river flooding and flash flooding of low lying and flood prone areas.

Winds are expected to pick up and become damaging from later Thursday especially over the Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Northern Viti Levu and Kadavu before gradually spreading eastwards to the rest of the group.

While TC Yasa is expected to have severe cyclone strength (possibly category 3 or stronger) when it passes close to the west of the group while remaining over open waters, it may cause widespread power failures, blow away roofs and considerable damage to structures especially weak-structured houses.

Damaging winds can also uproot big trees and cause total damage to shallow rooted plants and crops.

High waves about 3 metres is expected over Yasawa and Mamanuca waters from today.

From tomorrow we can expect high waves more than 5 metres over South West Viti Levu waters, Yasawa and Mamanuca waters and Kadavu Passage. These high waves pose a risk of coastal flooding in these areas.

Sea conditions will also be hazardous for sailing and any other sea activities.

Meanwhile, another Tropical Depression, TD03F which lies just to the north of Tonga has also intensified further into a category 1 tropical cyclone and named tropical cyclone Zazu at midday yesterday.

Stay with us for developments.

People are advised to take necessary precautions as Tropical Cyclone Yasa is expected to make a clockwise loop, intensify into a Category 4 cyclone and head towards Fiji.

The Nadi Weather Office says Cyclone Yasa is expected to be located just to the west of Viti Levu with severe cyclone strength on Friday.

By Saturday, the system is expected to slip just to the West of Viti Levu and Kadavu and continue to move southward.

Expect the weather to gradually change for most places as the rain bands associated with Cyclone Yasa moves over the group later tomorrow and into Wednesday bringing continuous heavy rain especially over Yasawa and Mamanuca Group then gradually spreading to the rest of the group by Thursday.

Expect the heavy rain to persist into Saturday and gradually start easing from Sunday.

Due to anticipated widespread heavy rain, there is risk of river flooding and flash flooding of low lying and flood-prone areas.

Winds are expected to pick up and become damaging from later Thursday especially over the Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Northern Viti Levu and Kadavu before gradually spreading eastwards to the rest of the group.

While TC Yasa is expected to have severe cyclone strength (possibly category 3 or stronger) when it passes close to the west of the group while remaining over open waters, it may cause widespread power failures, blow away roofs and considerable damage to structures especially weak-structured houses.

Damaging winds can also uproot big trees and cause total damage to shallow-rooted plants and crops.

High waves about 3 metres is expected over Yasawa and Mamanuca waters from tomorrow.

From Wednesday we can expect high waves more than 5 metres over South West Viti Levu waters, Yasawa and Mamanuca waters and Kadavu Passage. These high waves pose a risk of coastal flooding in these areas.

Sea conditions will also be hazardous for sailing and any other sea activities.

Meanwhile, another Tropical Depression, TD03F which lies just to the north of Tonga has also intensified further into a category 1 tropical cyclone and named tropical cyclone Zazu at midday today.

Stay with us for developments.

The Tropical Depression that was located to the far West North West of Fiji has intensified and is now Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Yasa.

The Nadi Weather Office says Cyclone Yasa was located about 540 kilometres West North West of Viwa at 3am today and is moving South South West at about 11 kilometres per hour.

Forecasters say from tomorrow the cyclone is expected to track South South East towards Fiji however it is anticipated at this stage to still stay far West of us.

Expect winds to pick up from later today.

The weather is expected to deteriorate from Wednesday with a lot of rain, especially in the western half of the country.

Stay with us for developments.