The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is urging the public to remain alert, prepared, and watch out for one another as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is expected to intensify into a Category 3 system within the next 18–24 hours.
The people of Yasawa are bracing themselves for heavy rain and strong winds, which they have been experiencing from last night into this morning.
Vuaki Village Headman Etuate Saukuru told fijivillage News that he has advised every villager to stay indoors and avoid movement because of the system passing the Fiji group.
He says they started experiencing strong winds from last night.
Saukuru adds that he has been around the village this morning and is grateful that no homes or trees have been destroyed.
He says the villagers are bracing for stronger winds and heavy rain this afternoon as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu draws closer to Fiji.
He also highlighted that the village hall has been prepared as an evacuation centre if the need arises.
Meanwhile, the Nadi Weather Office says that TC Vaianu has intensified into a Category 2 cyclone.
TC Vaianu was located 530 kilometres west-northwest of Yasawa at 10am this morning and is moving south-southeast at about 9 kilometres per hour.
The villagers of Vuaki in Yasawa are preparing for strong winds expected from Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, which continues to track south-southeast at about 9 kilometres per hour.
Village Headman Etuate Saukuru told Fijivillage News that villagers have secured rooftops and brought their boats to land.
He says some of the boats are being harboured in the mangroves for safety.
Saukuru says they have been experiencing strong winds and rain since last night, but it eased slightly this morning until midday.
He adds that they used this time to prepare for the system as it passes the group.
The Village Headman has issued a no-movement policy for tonight as strong winds are expected to hit the island.
He also confirmed that no villager is allowed to go out at sea and says the seas are currently rough.
Saukuru adds that the village hall has been prepared as an evacuation centre if the need arises.
Residents in Kashmir, Lautoka say severe weather conditions have been worsening since 3 this morning, with heavy rain, strong winds and flooding now affecting the area.
Resident Navneet Ram told fijivillage News that several trees have already fallen due to the intense weather, while drains are now blocked causing flooding.
He says flooding has started in low-lying areas, including Saru Back Road, Tomuka Bridge, Naikabula Junction, Waiyavi and parts of Drasa.
Ram also informed fijivillage News that they have been experiencing a power outage since 8am this morning.
Insert:Ram on their power outage 7th April Hindi
Ram adds that his family has prepared an emergency kit as conditions are expected to deteriorate further.
Another resident of Kashmir says they were woken up this morning by the sound of strong wind and heavy rain.
He adds that he has informed his family not to go out of the house as he is thinking of their safety.
Meanwhile, a resident of Vuda confirms that the road from Vuda to Nadi Airport remains clear at this stage, with no closures reported.
People have informed fijivillage News that areas near Vunato are now flooded due to heavy rain.
Stay with us for more updates.
Tropical Cyclone Vainanu continues to impact road networks with a number of crossings and roads in the Western and Central divisions either closed, restricted, or affected by flooding, fallen trees, and overslips.
The Fiji Roads Authority says emergency teams are continuing operations to clear roads and restore access.
In the Western Division, 7 roads are affected by flooding, 20 roads are affected by fallen trees, 3 roads are affected by a fallen EFL pole, and 1 road is affected by an overslip.
The Old Nadi Back Road, Legalega Road, Qalitu Road, Ciri Road, Drasa Dam Road Crossing on Drasa Dam Road, Saru Back Road Crossing on Saru Back Road, Buabua 2nd Crossing and Buabua Flat on Buabua Road, Uciwai Bridge on Uciwai Road, Viseisei Road from the Nadi end, Yavuna Junction on Nausori Highland Road, Navula 1st Crossing on Navula Road, Stoney Creek Sabeto Crossing on Sabeto Road, Savalau Crossing 2 on Savalau Road, Tavewa Road, Vuda Back Road 2nd Crossing on Vuda Road, Vuniyasi Road, Civicivi Crossing on Civicivi Road, Nawai Crossing, and Vaivai 1st Crossing on Vaivai Road are closed.
Naikabula Bridge, Naimasi Bridge, Vitogo Bridge, and Matawalu Flat are restricted to a single lane. Tagitagi Road in Tavua is also restricted to a single lane.
Queen's Road just before Lomolomo Police Post, Sukanaivalu Road, Tunalia Road Junction, Moala Road, Hollander Street, and between Bavu and Navuto are also restricted.
In Ba, Koronubu Road, Koula Road, Marinitawa Crossing on Marinitawa Road, Nacilau 1st Crossing on Nacilau Road, and Vatawai Crossing on Vatawai Road are closed, while Nadelei Crossing 5 and Nadelei Crossing 6 on Nadelei Road are restricted to a single lane.
In Sigatoka, Emuri Crossing on Emuri Village Road is closed, while Valley Road as well as the road near Naidiri Junction on Queens Road is restricted to a single lane.
In Rakiraki, FSC Korotale Road, Narara 1 Crossing and Katudrau Crossing are also closed.
In Rewa, Sawani Serea Road and Matainasau Crossing on Wailoa Road are closed, while in Taunovo, Namuamua Road and Saliadrau Road are closed.
In Korovou, Colata Cocoa Crossing on Colata Cocoa Road is closed, while Waimalua Crossing on Nawiwaivusa Road is restricted to a single lane.
A new closure has been reported at Waiyanitu Road on the left-hand side towards Nakavu Village in Navua.
The FRA says its team is on-site monitoring the network and will advise on any additional closures.
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