Outer islands and villages throughout the Northern Division began to feel strong wind and heavy rain brought by Cyclone Yasa by midday yesterday.

Kavewa Island, Macuata

A villager from Kavewa Island in Macuata said that by midday, people had moved to the evacuation centre because the weather had worsened.

She said the people had started preparing for the cyclone on  Wednesday because they feared the uproaching monster storm.

“People have collected enough food and water for the next few days. We have one evacuation centre which will be occupied by the islanders,” she said.

She added that the island was on lockdown and the solar system was also brought down.

“Our only concern now is that the people who are living near the shorelines will have to move inland.”

Saqani District

Villagers in Saqani, Cakaudrove started to experience strong wind and heavy rain yesterday afternoon.

Saqani Tikina Council chairperson Isikeli Turaga said the sea was rough and strong winds and heavy rain started hitting them in the afternoon.

Mr Turaga said the community hall was close to the shoreline so the villagers moved to the church  evacuation centre inland. He said all the village headmen were in touch with the district officers.

There are 34 houses in Vuniwai district with a population of 180.

Udu Point in Macuata

Korio Vacea from Naqasau Va  in Udu, Macuata said from midday the weather pattern changed with heavy rain and strong winds.

People from Vatu, Yasawa, Wailika, Tawake, Wainiqadru villages were all prepared as they had learnt from experiences in the past.

On Wednesday, the villagers from Vatu Village had evacuated themselves in the community hall.

Taveuni Island

Taveuni advisory chair Ravindra Kumar said people have prepared themselves earlier because they do not want a repeat of the past.

Mr Kumar said all the bus and taxi services had ceased operations, however, a few grocery shops were open.

Mr Kumar said reports of flooding were received in low-lying areas because of heavy rain.

“I have been moving around to help the people,” she said.

Savusavu, Cakaudrove

Advisory councillor from Naverea /Savusavu, Dayal Patel, said they were in communication  with the provincial administrator and the district officers.

He said people living in low-lying areas had moved to evacuation centres for their safety.

“We are urging the people to evacuate if they know they will be affected,” Mr Patel said.

Bua province

Winds started to pick up yesterday morning in Bua.

A Police officer in Nabouwalu, said people in most villages felt strong winds and heavy rain.

The officer said even before the cyclone hit, the coconut trees have started to fall.

He said they could expect the weather to worsen overnight.

“Not only in Nabouwalu but other places in bua are also affected,” he said.

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