Lau Group preparing for the worst

Lau Group preparing for the worst

By Filipe Naikaso and Sharon Dipitika
Sunday 03/01/2016
Tropical Cyclone Ula Forecast Track Map Number 10 issued 0122 UTC Sunday 3 January 2016 [Source: met.gov.fj]

A storm warning remains in force for Fulaga, Ogea, Vatoa and Ono i Lau.

The Nadi Weather Office says a gale warning remains in force for Kabara, Namuka, Moce, Oneata, Matuku, Totoya and Komo.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of the Lau group, Eastern Viti Levu, Lomaiviti group, Kadavu, Taveuni and the nearby smaller islands and Eastern Vanua Levu.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ula was located about 140km South of Kabara or about 50km North Northeast of Ono i Lau at 4 this afternoon.

The cyclone is moving West Southwest at about 16km/hr. 

Close to its centre the cyclone is expected to have average winds of 150km/hr and momentary gusts to 205km/hr.

On this track, the cyclone is expected to lie about 190km South of Kabara or about 65km North of Ono i Lau at 7 tonight and about 255km South-Southwest of Kabara or about 110km West Southwest of Ono-i-Lau at 1 tomorrow morning.

Destructive winds may begin several hours before the cyclone centre passes nearby or overhead.

For the rest of Fiji, moderate to fresh West to Southwest winds, gusty at times with occasional showers, possibly heavy at times.

Nadi weather office Director Ravind Kumar says they are closely monitoring Cyclone Ula as it may intensify further.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Kumar says people living in the Lau group should be expecting strong winds going into tonight and tomorrow.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

He says Tropical Cyclone Ula is slow moving over Fiji.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Heavy rain has started in Ono-i-Lau.

There have been reports of strong wind and rain in Lakeba, Vanubalavu, Kabara, Ono i lau, Fulaga, Oneata, Ogea and Cicia.

Villager Setoki Ledua says that rain has been pouring continuously this afternoon with strong winds.

Ledua says that they are putting up shutters and preparing themselves for tonight going into tomorrow.

Josaia Matavura from Kabara says that they have been experiencing occasional heavy rain this afternoon together with strong winds as they are preparing for the worst.

Lakeba Police Station Officer Gyandndra Odean says they are all on standby.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Police in Lakeba say strong winds and occasional rain started this morning.

They say people living in Lakeba have been told to remain in doors.

Situation in the Central Division, Western Division and Northern Division is reported to be normal with occasional rain.

The National Emergency Operation Centre can be contacted on 3477000 or 9906320.

Stay with us for the latest weather report and latest developments from around the country.

The situation in Lakeba (Photo: facebook)

 

FEATURE NEWS
14 Proposed Political Parties lodge applications for registration
14 Proposed Political Parties have shown an intent to comply with the registration requirements of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Fundi...
17 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
No ethnic community will be forgotten – Multi-Ethnic Minister
The Coalition Government has not forgotten anyone and will continue to assist communities to ensure the well-being of all ethnic groups. Minister ...
3 hours ago

Travis Scott to perform in India this October
American rapper and singer Travis Scott is set to perform in India for the first time on October 18 as part of his Circus Maximus World ...
4 hours ago

Davetanivalu becomes first lawyer in family, honouring late grandmother
It was a proud moment for 24-year-old Ratu Anare Roraqoca Davetanivalu from Nairukuruku, Naitasiri, as he became the first lawyer in his family ...
14 hours ago

FNU joins hands with Ministry of Health to support Typhoid Vaccination Campaign in the North
To combat the increasing typhoid rate in Fiji, the Fiji National University has joined forces with the Ministry of Health to support a Typhoid ...
18 hours ago

FCEF warns of rising business costs as FTUC defends minimum wage increase
Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation CEO Edward Bernard says employers look at all costs across the business and not just wages or minimum wage ...
18 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
27 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
28 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and Adi Tulia Nacola
The candid interview focuses on Nacola, coming from a chiefly family and being a daughter of a Minister who was ousted in the 1987 military coup, her ...
28 days ago

TOP