Public urged to stay vigilant as TD09F intensifies

The National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) has urged members of the public to remain vigilant as a Heavy Rain Alert and Strong Wind Alert remain in force for the Western Division and Kadavu.

The advisory follows an update from the Fiji Meteorological Service on Tropical Disturbance TD09F.

The system is expected to intensify and develop into a tropical cyclone by tomorrow and track to the southwest of Fiji from Saturday through Sunday.

Strong northwesterly winds averaging 40km/h with gusts up to 60km/h are forecast, along with occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms from late Saturday.

NDRMO warns that heavy rainfall may trigger flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone informal settlements and communities, businesses and at Irish crossings, potentially disrupting traffic. Surface flooding is also expected in urban areas with poor drainage, while river flooding remains possible.

Strong winds may break tree branches and cause damage to older or lightly built corrugated iron and timber houses, as well as exposed structures. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution as wet roads and reduced visibility during heavy downpours increase the risk of accidents.

Members of the public are strongly advised to stay away from flooded rivers, streams, drains and walkways where water is above knee level. Residents in flood-prone areas should consider moving to higher ground during daylight hours.

Those requiring assistance should contact the Fiji Police Force or the National Fire Authority.

For emergency assistance, members of the public can call:

• 910 – Fire
• 913 – Energy Fiji Limited (EFL)
• 917 – Police
• 5777 – Water Authority of Fiji (WAF)
• 5720 – Fiji Roads Authority (FRA)

For the latest weather updates, visit the Fiji Meteorological Service website at www.met.gov.fj and follow the Fiji NDRMO Facebook and X pages.