Severe Cat5 TC Harold moves further away from Fiji leaving a trail of destruction in its path

Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold intensified into a category 5 cyclone overnight and is moving further away from Fiji leaving a trail of destruction in its path.

The centre of Cyclone Harold was located 350 kilometres southeast of Kabara at 3am.

The cyclone is currently moving east-southeast at about 43 kilometres per hour, and is quickly moving further away from Fiji.

Close to its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of upto 205 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 285 kilometres per hour.

A strong wind warning remains in force for Fiji.

A flood warning is in place for low lying areas and areas adjacent to and downstream of the Navua, Ba, Wainibuka, Rewa, Wainimala, Waimanu, Sigatoka and Tuva River.

Situation reports : Kadavu

Kadavu felt the full brunt of Tropical Cyclone Harold late yesterday.

TC Harold caused severe damage in the village of Bulia, Kadavu.

Almost 20 houses were damaged due to the strong winds.

Bulia villager Iliesa Cokanasiga says that they prepared for TC Harold but they did not anticipate that the strength of the wind will be so strong that it also damage some of the newly built houses.

Cokanasiga says from 2pm to 4pm yesterday, they experienced strong winds adding some of the houses were destroyed while others had their rooftops blown away.

He says they are lucky that the cyclone hit the island when it was still daylight.

Cokanasiga says they also experienced storm surges.

Dravuni Village

TC Harold has also left widespread damage in Dravuni Village in Kadavu.

We have managed to get photos from Dravuni and you can check out the photos on our website, Fijivillage

[Dravuni,Kadavu. Photo: Makereta Kovelali/ Jerry Keri]

Situation update: Lau

Namuka-I-Lau

Namuka-I-Lau villager, Maciu Rokobuli says they were well prepared for Tropical Cyclone Harold as they were briefed by their Village Headman one day before the cyclone entered Fiji waters.

Rokobuli says strong winds and heavy rain was experienced from 2 yesterday afternoon and it continued till around 10 last night. He adds they also experienced storm surges.

Lomaloma Village in Vanuabalavu

The Village Headman of Lomaloma Village in Vanuabalavu Sovakele Levaci says they experienced storm surges with strong winds last night and early this morning.

Levaci says their farms and crops have been damaged due to TC Harold.

He adds that strong winds and heavy rain was experienced from yesterday afternoon but they were prepared for the natural disaster.