It is important that people take heed of warnings as Tropical Cyclone Ula has not left the country, says National Disaster Management Office director, Akapusi Tuifagalele.

He confirmed this at a press conference at the NDMO in Knolly Street, Suva yesterday.

It was located near 19.1 South 178.1 west about 155km east of Kabara or about 145km North North East of Ono-I-Lau at around 10am yesterday

“Tropical Cyclone Ula, according to the forecast, is actually on the Eastern side of Fiji and is moving West South West. From advice given by the Fiji Meteorological office, it is currently still under Category  Three and is now affecting the southern most parts of the Lau Group; especially the islands of Ogea, Fulaga, Vatoa and also Ono-i-Lau.

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

“That’s the track base as given by Fiji Met, which will continue this evening and probably tomorrow morning. And because of that there will be destructive winds around this area; some at storm-force level. Outside Kabara, Lakeba, they will be feeling the gale force and so forth.

“TC Ula has not left the country so it is important that you should know what to do and prepare yourselves in these kinds of situations,” he said.

Mr Tuifagalele said they would continue with the monitoring of Tropical Cyclone Ula.

However, Tropical Depression 07F is moving away and no longer poses a threat to Fiji.

He said TD07F had passed and most of the current weather problems facing the nation were caused from that tropical depression.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback: arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj