Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Mal on its current path it is expected to be around 200 kilometres west of Nadi at midnight tonight as a category 2 system.
The Nadi Weather Office says at its forecast track, it is not expected to make landfall.
The centre of TC Mal was located about 430 kilometres West of Rotuma and about 650 kilometres Northwest of Yasawa-I-Rara at 3am.
TC Mal is moving in the south southeast direction at 28 kilometres per hour.
A heavy rain warning and a strong wind warning remain in force for the whole of the Fiji Group.
A flash flood warning is in force for low-lying flash flood-prone areas in low-lying areas and crossing in Qauia, Lami and low-lying areas in Wailoku including Marata Village.
A flash flood alert for flood-prone areas, small streams and low-lying areas of Lami, Suva and Nausori to Tailevu areas, Coral Coast to Navua, Naitasiri Province and Ovalau.
Possible impacts due to heavy rain include localised flooding of susceptible communities, businesses and low-lying areas, localised flooding of minor roads, Irish Crossings and bridges with some disruption to traffic flow, and poor visibility at land and sea with increased risk of accidents due to slippery roads.
Periods of rain, heavy at times are likely to be over the Fiji group until early today.
A storm warning remains in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, Western and Northern Viti Levu, while a gale alert is now in force for Rotuma, western half Vanua Levu (Dreketi, Bua to Savusavu), eastern Viti Levu and Lomaiviti Group.
The Nadi Weather Office says this means that damaging cyclone-related winds are imminent in these locations within 24 hours.
A storm alert is in force for Southern Viti Levu, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
The path of the system is expected to pass close to the west of Viti Levu with storm-force winds over the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, western and southern Viti Levu, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
However, it is a huge system and its effect can be far-reaching.
Consequently, a gale warning is in force as far as western Vanua Levu (Dreketi, Bua to Savusavu), eastern Viti Levu and Lomaiviti Group.
These winds can break tree branches, blow unsecured and loose materials, disrupt communication network and power supply due to damaged power lines, damage temporary and weak structures, increase the risk of sea travel for all types of sea crafts, and increase the risk for hazardous breaking waves and coastal inundation of debris along low lying coastal areas, especially during high tides.
The cyclone may begin to have an impact on the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups from later today.
While the system is expected to begin to affect Viti Levu from this afternoon, most of the destructive winds are expected overnight and into early tomorrow morning.
People are advised to do as much preparatory work during the daylight hours.
The trough of low pressure associated with Cyclone Mal is already bringing a lot of rain over the country, especially over the Northern, Eastern and Central Divisions.
High tides are expected at around 6am today and around 12.30pm tonight.
A storm warning remains in force for the Vatu-I-Ra Passage, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu Passage, Koro Seas and Northern Vanua Levu waters while a strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Fiji waters.
For mariners and seafarers, expect gale force winds with speeds of 35 to 45 knots, gusting to 55 knots over Vatu-i-Ra Passage, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu Passage, Koro Seas and Northern Vanua Levu waters from today, which is likely to further increase to storm force winds with speeds of 50 knots and gusting to 70 knots from this afternoon.
For the rest of Fiji waters, expect gale force winds with speeds of 20 to 30 knots, gusting to 55 knots from tonight. Seas are expected to be rough to very rough, becoming high to very high seas from later today.
It is better to be prepared in advance rather than risking your life by taking last-minute precautionary measures amid strong winds and heavy rain.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Koronivia resident Apisai Suliano says although they have not felt any strong winds yet, he has already taken precautionary measures and prepared himself for what is to come.
He says he has tied ropes from his rooftop to the ground to prevent strong winds from blowing away the roof and has also covered his windows with roofing iron.
The 43-year-old says he has also prepared solar lights and kerosene lamps as well in case they have a power outage.
Villagers of Waitovu Village on the island of Ovalau had to cut short their village soli just so that they could get their household in order and prepare for Tropical Cyclone Mal.
While speaking to fijivillage News a villager, Avisai Bulivorovoro says he had to ask all the villagers that were attending the soli to put everything on hold and head to their respective homes and prepare for this cyclone.
He says they felt strong winds and rain earlier yesterday afternoon and he had asked the villagers to take necessary precaution and as of now, the winds are calm since it is low tide.
He adds they have prepared the village hall as an evacuation centre in case the situation gets worse.
Bulivorovoro says he has taken all precautionary measures and has prepared all essentials that will be needed like batteries for their torch and have also filled buckets and gallons with water in case of water cuts.
He says they will be putting up shutters early today.
Bulivorovoro is urging all Fijians not to leave everything for later and to take heed of warnings to avoid regrets.
Stay with us for updates.
Read More here: https://www.fijivillage.com/news/TC-Mal-intensifies-into-category-2-system-and-will-pass-close-to-the-West-of-Fiji-tonight-r8x4f5/
Villagers of Yasawa-i-Rara are gearing up and are bracing for an intensifying Tropical Cyclone Mal.
Village headman Naelesoni Toqitoqi says they have collected more rations and their evacuation centre will be activated if the weather intensifies.
Toqitoqi says they experienced continuous rain in the Yasawa's earlier yesterday, and villagers have been advised to take proactive measures.
He says fibreglass boats have been brought onto land.
Toqitoqi adds they have also stored water and secured their homes. Meanwhile, the centre of Cyclone Mal is located about 520 kilometres Northwest of Rotuma and about 880 kilometres Northwest of Yasawa-I-Rara.
TC Mal is expected to track to the west of Fiji within the next 24 to 48 hours and approach the group as a category 2 cyclone.
A Storm Warning is now in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, Western and Northern Viti Levu, while a Gale Warning is now in force for Rotuma, western Vanua Levu (Dreketi, Bua to Savusavu), eastern Viti Levu and Lomaiviti Group.
The Nadi Weather Office says this means that damaging cyclone-related winds are imminent in these locations within the next 24 hours.
A Storm Alert is in force for Southern Viti Levu, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
Stay with us for updates.
Read More here: https://www.fijivillage.com/news/TC-Mal-intensifies-into-category-2-system-and-will-pass-close-to-the-West-of-Fiji-tonight-r8x4f5/
Villagers of Manuku, Batiki in the province of Lomaiviti have stepped up their cyclone preparatory measures as they brace for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Mal.
A villager says their house windows are covered with iron roofing.
While speaking to fijivillage News, district representative Tevita Tavodi says everyone has taken heed of the advisories and have stepped up their preparations to avoid any regrets.
Tavodi says as of now, they have sorted out evacuation centres for the villagers and everyone has prepared well.
He says they are now all bracing for what TC Mal will bring and they are all well prepared.
The centre of Cyclone Mal was located about 520 kilometres West-Northwest of Rotuma and about 880 kilometres Northwest of Yasawa-I-Rara at 9pm last night.
TC Mal is expected to track to the west of Fiji within the next 24 to 48 hours and approach the group as a category 2 cyclone today.
A Storm Warning is now in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, Western and Northern Viti Levu, while a Gale Warning is now in force for Rotuma, western Vanua Levu (Dreketi, Bua to Savusavu), eastern Viti Levu and Lomaiviti Group.
The Nadi Weather Office says this means that damaging cyclone related winds are imminent in these locations within the next 24 hours.
A Storm Alert is in force for Southern Viti Levu, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
As Fijians are celebrating Diwali, they are also preparing for Tropical Cyclone Mal that is expected to track towards the Fiji group from today.
Nabitu, Sigatoka resident, Abhay Sharma says there is little excitement for Diwali as they are on alert right now.
He says everyone is indoors due to rainy conditions.
Sharma says they will be putting up shutters today and have stored water.
Nawaka, Nadi resident, Anit Ram says he has already cut tall branches around his property.
He says they have also charged their phones, have spare batteries and stored water as well.
Ram adds they will be putting up shutters before they go to work today.
Meanwhile, the centre of Cyclone Mal is located about 655 kilometres West-Northwest of Rotuma and about 945 kilometres Northwest of Yasawa-I-Rara.
Stay with us for updates.
Stay with us for updates.
As the Tropical Depression moves towards Fiji, the Minister for National Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka confirms that there will be no school today and tomorrow.
Ditoka calls on parents to ensure that their children are safe.
He also confirms that civil servants are to work from home today, and the decision will be reviewed this afternoon.
Ditoka says these decisions have been made after consultations with the Minister for Education and the Minister for Civil Service.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro had earlier confirmed external exams would be postponed upon receiving confirmation on the cyclone.
With the current weather situation affecting different parts of the country, the University of the South Pacific Fiji campuses will be closed for the next two days, on Tuesday 14th November and Wednesday 15th November.
However, all campuses outside of Fiji will continue normal operations.
USP says the final exams scheduled for the next two days across all USP campuses have been postponed and information regarding this will be communicated by the Student Administrative Services, course coordinators and campus directors later this week.
As such, regional students who are bound to travel out of Fiji by the end of this week can sit for their postponed papers at their home campus.
Laucala Campus Security, ITS, E&I and Halls / Commercial staff only, campus residential staff and students will be allowed access into and out of Laucala campus during the 2 campus closure days.
USP further says a review of the situation will be done on Wednesday 15th November and an advisory will be sent out by USP DISMAC about further action.
The University of Fiji Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem has directed all staff and students to work from home in light of the impending adverse weather predicted for Fiji.
Professor Shameem says the University is fortunate that it has a state of the art learning and teaching platform,TopHat, which functioned effectively for both academic staff and students in normal as well as disaster situations such as cyclones or pandemics.
She says students had the option of studying from home or university using the Hyflex mode and could move seamlessly from campus to home locations and back when needed.
The work of the University can continue without pause.
Professor Shameem says that the University of Fiji would remain open in the virtual space despite the upcoming cyclone which is expected to affect the west of Fiji.
She says it is important for the University to emphasise safety of its staff and students but, at the same time, to continue its work unimpeded.
The Vice Chancellor says students are on study week from tomorrow but their lecturers are available to them on the virtual platform.
She also says all other work of the University will similarly move into the online space until further notice.
Professor Shameem says that the University realises that climatic disasters are becoming a fact of life and all learning institutions need to cope with it as quickly as they can by being innovative and creative in order to serve their students in the best way possible despite such expected adversities as climate disasters and pandemics.
Fiji National University Vice Chancellor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba says given the recent announcements by the Fiji government regarding the current adverse weather conditions, all FNU campuses across Fiji will be closed tomorrow and on Wednesday
FNU advises its students that semester 2 final examinations are postponed until further notice and lecturers and course coordinators must liaise closely with all students regarding their exams.
The Acting Vice Chancellor urges that all staff are required to work from home and liaise with their supervisors.
She also reminds all students and staff to take precautionary measures and adhere to all weather advisories issued by the Fiji Meteorological Services Office and the National Disaster Management Office.
The Vice-Chancellor says those living in low-lying and flood-prone areas are advised to evacuate during daylight if required and know their evacuation centres, emergency contacts and disaster preparedness plans.
The FNU Emergency Response team will also be on stand by to attend to any incidents or emergency matters that may arise during the closure of the FNU campuses.
More Stories on Tropical Depression, TDO2F https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Tropical-Cyclone-Warning-now-in-force-for-Fiji-it-is-a-huge-system-and-its-effect-can-be-far-reaching---Fiji-Met-fx45r8/
People are urged to store water as residents in some parts of Suva are experiencing low water pressure to no water due to the reduction in supply at the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant.
The Water Authority of Fiji is advising that the Savura Raw Water Intake is currently blocked and as a result, raw water inflow into the Tamavua Water Treatment Plant has been reduced affecting water supply production.
The areas affected are Namadi Heights, Princes Road, Upper Samabula, Bureta Street, Rewa Street, Ratu Sukuna Road, Nailuva, Delainavesi, high elevated Lami areas, Panoramic, Waiqanake, Togalevu, Wrong Turn, Sakoca, Upper Khalsa, Tacirua Heights, Nagatugatu, Tamavua Koro, Upper Ragg Avenue, Deovji Street, Tacirua, Amputch Street, Seventh Day Church Dokanaisuva to Tacirua Fijian School, Vunuleba Settlement, Naisogo, Colo-i-Suva Crest Chicken, Marshall Road, Vunikawai, Uluibeka, Colanaivau, Valesasa and Naitaqiri Nillgrey.
WAF says the intake blockage occurred around midnight last night.
They say their divers are yet to get the opportunity to safely access the blocked intake due to flooding and strong currents.
WAF also says their divers are on standby and will dive to clear the blockage and restore inflow into Tamavua as soon as flood levels recede and strong currents wane.
Click here for more updates on Tropical Disturbance TD02F https://www.fijivillage.com/news/No-school-tomorrow-and-Wednesday--Ditoka-4fxr85/
Villagers of Lovoni in Ovalau are being affected by heavy rain and strong winds.
Villager Simione Ravia says several houses were affected by flood waters this morning but they are fortunate that they have moved to higher ground.
Ravia says there is currently a low supply of water and they expect no water by this afternoon.
He says there is no movement at the moment since the Bureta bridge is also flooded.
There is also minor damage to crops and plants due to strong winds.
He adds they have stored food and water and are looking forward to working with the villagers if they need to relocate to high ground.
Click here for more updates on Tropical Disturbance TD02F https://www.fijivillage.com/news/No-school-tomorrow-and-Wednesday--Ditoka-4fxr85/
External exams are to be shifted to later date once cyclone is confirmed to hit Fiji
The external exams will be shifted to a later date once the cyclone is confirmed by the Nadi Weather Office.
Minister of Education, Aseri Radrodro is also reminding all school management, especially boarding schools to ensure the safety of their students and the facilities.
He urges all parents and guardians to exercise all precautions in ensuring that they are aware of where their children are and also keep them indoors, warm, safe and occupied to ensure they don't fall prey to falling debris or play and cross flooded rivers and creeks where lives can be lost unnecessarily.
The Minister says schools need to be used as evacuation centres and he trusts that school managers will work with the relevant authorities to provide the best we can for our people and he thanks them in advance. He is sending his well wishes to all our school children, parents and guardians and to our communities to stay calm, and protected and to continue to pray for our nation and our safety.
Click here for more updates on Tropical Disturbance TD02F https://www.fijivillage.com/news/No-school-tomorrow-and-Wednesday--Ditoka-4fxr85/
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