Stay out of flood waters because it can kill, advices Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

Speaking to Fijians through a video message, Mr Bainimarama said the tropical depression was expected to intensify to a cyclone by today with the trajectory directly over Viti Levu.

Here is what you need to know from the Fiji Meteorological Service:

• Cyclone warning remains in force for the Fiji Group;
• Gale warning for Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Vanua Levu. You can expect Northerly winds up to 35knots reaching 50knots. This means storm surge are likely to happen;
•  Heavy rain warning for Fiji Group
•  Flood warning remains for all low-lying areas, streams and major rivers of Viti Levu and for Qawa River in the Macuata Province as well as through Nabouwalu to Kubulau in Bua.

As authorities prepared for the arrival of the storm today, projections yesterday showed it as a Category 2 system.

“No Fijian should take this storm lightly. As you’ve seen before it’s the storms that we don’t expect that can strike the hardest so prepare as you always do,” Mr Bainimarama advised all Fijians.

“Shutter your homes, move to higher ground, store water, keep a 48-hour emergency kit on hand and make sure you know where your nearest evacuation centre is located.”

At the very least, Fijians should expect a wet weekend with crossings and roads flooded.

“I urge everyone to stay out of flood waters. I’ll say it 100 times more if I need to. Stay out of these waters because it can kill. Due to the heavy rains expect landslips, if it happens call the authorities.

“Don’t attempt to clear the debris yourself and if the storm surges in the forecast as well fishermen should not go out.”

Meanwhile, in her daily update yesterday, National Disaster Management Office director Vasiti Soko said there was a high risk of landslides because of the increased rain and flooding.

Following an emergency committee meeting, she said high waves measuring six to seven metres were expected, along with the risk of sea flooding.
Evacuation centres

A total of 82 tents were dismantled from 26 schools in the North. As of yesterday, 20 evacuation centres were opened with 613 evacuees, 19 evacuation centres in the North and one in the West.

Curfew hours remain the same.

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