Weather office issues hurricane warning

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold is expected to hit Fiji this week after causing mass damage in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. People wade through flooded areas in Vanuatu (pictured) on Monday. Picture: Harrison Selmen in Vanuatu/Wansolwara

By WANSOLWARA STAFF

A hurricane warning remains in force for southern parts of Viti Levu, Beqa, Vatulele, Kadavu, Matuku, Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau as Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold continues to batter its way through the region.

According to the Fiji Meteorological Service weather bulletin this morning, heavy rain and strong wind warnings are expected for the Fiji Group with flash floods expected in low-lying areas and small streams within the Rakiraki catchment.

The weather office said flash flood warnings were also in place for low-lying areas and areas adjacent to small streams of Ba, Tavua and the Kubuna catchment.

“The centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold was located near 17.9 south 174.5 east or about 260 kilometres west of Nadi or about 360 kilometres west-northwest of Kadavu at 3am today,” the statement read.

“Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds up to 185 km/hr with momentary gusts to 260 km/hr. the cyclone is currently moving east-southeast at about 28 km/hr.”

On this track, the weather office said, the cyclone centre was expected to be located about 70 kilometres southeast of Kadavu or 110km west-southwest of Matuku at 3pm today and about 60 kilometres northwest of Ono-i-Lau or 160km southeast of Matuku at 9pm tonight.

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

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said all evacuation centres would be sanitised, and regularly monitored to ensure that they were not filled beyond capacity.

“It is vital that every Fijian do exactly what they are told to do by authorities. Stay away from floodwaters,” he said.

“If you’ve been directed to evacuate, please do so. If you have not been told to move, do the right thing and stay put at home.”

 He said Fiji was battling two life-threatening crises – the impending cyclone and coronavirus.