The tsunami warning earlier issued for Fiji and other countries by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre and Fiji's Mineral Resources Department has been cancelled in the last hour.
The warning was issued earlier this afternoon after a 8.0 magnitude earthquake occurred to the East of Solomon Islands at about 1.12pm today.
After the cancellation, the Hawaii centre said the sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated.
It said the waves may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicentre.
Following the warning, people around the country took the necessary precautions.
However some concerns have been raised in relation to some people moving to the low lying coastal areas from high ground which resulted in huge traffic jams.
Authorities also kept advising people not to go to the coastal areas if they are in a safe place.
A number of bus drivers were also driving the students to the Suva Bus Stand and serious concerns have been raised on why some bus companies did not take precautionary measures.
Some schools also sent students home without analysing that students may be in danger as they would have to pass coastal areas.
DISMAC is expected to look into this issue.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Earlier on:
Tsunami update for 3.30pm
DISMAC has confirmed that a potential tsunami has been generated and a tsunami warning is in place for the whole of Fiji especially for the people living in low lying coastal areas.
A powerful earthquake measuring 8.0 magnitude has struck east of the Solomon Islands and this has resulted in the tsunami warning for Fiji and a number of other countries.
The Mineral Resources Department confirmed that the first wave activity, if any, is expected this hour.
We have also received confirmation that any tsunami will come from the western parts of Fiji.
People in Yasawa, Mamanucas and those in the Western Division are asked to take precautions now as the first wave activity is expected to come your way if it does come through.
Suva is expected to get the wave activity at about 4.05pm so please take the necessary precautions.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has confirmed that a tsunami has been generated and we advise people to take the necessary precautions.
The quake occurred at a depth of 5.8km and the epicentre was 347km east of Kira Kira in the Solomon Islands.
DISMAC confirmed that the quake occurred at about 1.12pm today.
A tsunami warning is in effect for Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Kiribati, Wallis and Futuna.
Sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated.
It may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicenter and could also be a threat to more distant coasts. Authorities should take appropriate action in response to this possibility.
For all areas when no major waves are observed for two hours after the estimated time of arrival or damaging waves have not occurred for at least two hours then local authorities can assume the threat is passed.
Danger to boats and coastal structures can continue for several hours due to rapid currents.
As local conditions can cause a wide variation in tsunami wave action the all clear determination must be made by local authorities.
Estimated initial tsunami wave arrival times at forecast points
Within the warning and watch areas are given below.
Actual arrival times may differ and the initial wave may not be the largest.
A tsunami is a series of waves and the time between successive waves can be five minutes to one hour.
According to the ABC, a hospital director in the Solomons quoted by the AFP news agency said some villages in Solomon Islands have been destroyed.
Reports are coming through that a tsunami measuring 0.9 metres (3ft) has hit the Solomon Islands following the 8.0 quake.
Tsunami warning for Fiji - Updated 3pm
A powerful earthquake measuring 8.0 magnitude has struck east of the Solomon Islands and this has resulted in a tsunami warning for Fiji and a number of other countries.
People living in coastal low lying areas in Fiji are asked to take precautions.
The Mineral Resources Department confirmed that the first wave activity, if any, is expected this hour.
We have also received confirmation that any tsunami will come from the western parts of Fiji.
People in Yasawas, Mamanucas and those in the Western Division are asked to take precautions now as the first wave activity is expected to come your way if it does come through.
Suva is expected to get the second wave at about 4.05pm.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has confirmed that a tsunami has been generated and we advise people to take the necessary precautions.
The quake occurred at a depth of 33km and the epicentre was 347km east of Kira Kira in the Solomon Islands.
DISMAC confirmed that the quake occurred at about 1.12pm today.
A tsunami warning is in effect for Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Fiji, Kiribati, Wallis and Futuna.
A tsunami watch is in effect for Marshall Islands, Pohnpei, Tokelau, Samoa, New Zealand, American Samoa, Tonga, Australia, Niue, Cook Islands and Indonesia.
An earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines near the epicenter within minutes and more distant coastlines within hours.
Authorities should take appropriate action in response to this possibility.
The tsunami warning center will monitor sea level data from gauges near the earthquake to determine if a tsunami was generated and estimate the severity of the threat.
Sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated.
It may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicenter and could also be a threat to more distant coasts.
According to the ABC, a hospital director in the Solomons quoted by the AFP news agency said some villages in Solomon Islands have been destroyed.
A tsunami measuring 0.9 metres (3ft) has hit the Solomon Islands following an 8.0 quake.
All students in schools along the coastal areas should start moving to higher grounds.
This is according to Permanent Secretary for Education Dr Brij Lal.
School buses will be out to help students to reach home safely.
This is the confirmation from the Fiji Bus Association president Richard Lal.
Lal said that they have already issued the message to the different bus operators.
Hotels and resorts around the country have activated their evacuation plans.
Fiji Hoteliers and Tourism Association President Dixon Seeto said they are monitoring the situation.
The Public Service Commission has advised all civil servants to move to higher ground at this point.
Yasawa Island Resort staff moved to higher ground
All staff of Yasawa Island Resort has moved to higher ground.
Speaking from the resort, Bridget Murphy said that the resort has been evacuated and they are looking out to sea.
Murphy said they are also monitoring the situation.
More than 100 people in the village of Naibalebale village in Viwa island have moved to higher ground.
Suliasi Waqalevu said the villagers have move to the interior of the island.
Story by: Fijivillage team
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