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Almost 2,000 people are taking shelter across Fiji as Tropical Cyclone Sarai continues to hurl heavy rain and wind across the Pacific nation.
Key points:
- Winds up to up 110 kph are forecast to hit Fiji's southern island groups tomorrow
- Authorities have urged people in low-lying areas to move to one of 48 evacuation centres
- The cyclone is forecast to strike Tonga's northern islands by New Year's Day
The Fiji National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) confirmed earlier today a total of 1,970 people are currently in 48 evacuation centres across the country.
The category-two cyclone has not been forecast to make landfall, but it is moving south-eastward near the west coast of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu.
At 1:00pm (local time) the cyclone was 160 kilometres south-west of the Fijian capital, Suva, moving south-east at 16 kilometres per hour.
The last update from the Fiji Meteorological Service projects the cyclone to pass "very close" to Kadavu Island and the Lau island group — located to the south of the country — tomorrow.
"For Kadavu, Vatulele and Matuku: Expect Destructive storm-force winds with average speeds of 110 kph with momentary gusts of 150 kph," the Met Service said.
It added that Kadavu, Vatulele and Matuku should also expect sea flooding at high tide, periods of heavy rain, and sudden thunderstorms.
Residents of Viti Levu and nearby smaller islands — including the Lau group —have been warned to expect heavy winds of up to 85 kph with momentary gusts of 110 kph today, along with high seas and "periods" of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The Met Service continues to update local conditions across Fiji via its Facebook page.
Cyclone expected to hit Tonga on New Year's Day
Tropical Cyclone Sarai is expected to leave Fiji's area of responsibility by New Year's Day, moving on to Tonga later on Wednesday.
Tonga's Meteorological Service has forecast that Sarai will hit the kingdom's northern Vava'u island group by Thursday.
The service has issued a tropical cyclone alert which carries a strong wind, rain and flash flood alert for all Tongan land areas.
Meteorologist Neville Koop, who is based in Fiji's capital Suva, told the ABC the remaining Fijian Kadavu and Lau island groups in the cyclone's path were much more vulnerable to disasters because of their remoteness.
"They're much more difficult for us to access and to take supplies and assistance to if they get severely affected later today and tonight," Mr Koop said.
People urged to steer clear of flooded rivers and roads
Local authorities have raced to evacuate people from low-lying areas at risk of flooding.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday morning, NDMO director Vasiti Soko told those remaining in low-lying areas to move to their nearest evacuation centre with enough food supplies to last 48 hours.
Members of the public have also been advised to check their emergency contacts and nearest evacuation centre and to prepare an emergency kit containing items such as bottled water, batteries and important documents in a waterproof bag.
Ms Soko confirmed that police would be stationed at every centre to assist evacuees, while Fiji's Health Ministry also confirmed that measles vaccinations will be carried out in each centre.
Roads and pedestrian crossings across the country have already been flooded, or have been littered with fallen trees as the storm has moved across Fiji's islands.
Videos and images posted on social media have shown children playing in floodwaters, while the Fiji Roads Authority has been posting rolling updates of roads blocked due to tree falls as well as traffic lights switched off as the cyclone passes.
The Fiji Times also reported that a vehicle convoy carrying six people and a cow was washed away in floodwaters.
Ms Soko told the public to heed calls to "refrain" from crossing flooded rivers or roads.
"If you have to do it, we ask that you wait for the water to reside," Ms Soko said.
This was echoed by Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who urged Fijians to stay "away from all floodwaters" on his Facebook page.
"Move to higher ground if possible, and please keep an eye on young children. We must remain vigilant until the danger has completely passed," the post read.
It also said the Fijian Government was still accounting for the damage caused by the cyclone.
All carriers bar Virgin Australia have cancelled their services to Fiji today, while a raft of domestic ferry and bus services have also been cancelled.
Fiji Airports said most Fiji Airways and Fiji Link flights will resume from tomorrow.
ABC
Topics: storm-disaster, cyclones, cyclone, fiji, tonga, pacific