Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was not a happy man yesterday.

Despite the early warnings and Tropical Cyclone Tino advisories from authorities, he was disappointed to see people wandering around aimlessly, even though TC Tino, a category 1 system, was expected to make landfall in Vanua Levu yesterday.

By 8pm yesterday, the winds had picked up speed, it continued to rain, roads were getting flooded including the  new Nakorotari crossing near Labasa Town.

“There are always some people in the community who ignore cyclone warnings,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“They forget that they have families worrying and waiting for them at home.”

Such ignorance could prove costly. For example, a teacher and his 10-year-old daughter were reported missing by Police on Thursday afternoon after they attempted to swim across flooded creek, flowing into the Navua river. The bodies are still missing.

Ratu Wiliame has thanked the Fiji Meteorological Services for providing the early warnings on TC Tino.

“Safety is paramount and I have advised the people on the ground to stay indoors,” he said.

“A special and humble request to the parents to watch over their children because they think such a weather calls for a good time to enjoy playing outside.

“Parents need to act smart and educate their children that a cyclone is dangerous and they need to stay safe.”

He was also urging people living in low-lying areas to move quickly to evacuation centres.

“Everyone in Macuata have been informed by the Provincial Administrators and district officers on the location of evacuation centres,” he said.

“I had advised people in Macuata to stay indoors, be vigilant and don’t take risks.”

Schools and many shops were closed in Labasa Town yesterday. Buses had ceased operation in the afternoon.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback:  shratika.naidu@fijisun.com.fj