Villagers in Cicia, Lau, are worried about how they will survive after the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Rae, which has severely affected their plantations.
Joji Tikoitoga says the experience of the Category 2 cyclone yesterday felt similar to that of a Category 4 cyclone.
Tikoitoga says they were fortunate that no houses were damaged, although there were some minor damages.
He adds today they will need to conduct a full cleanup in the village, as many fruit trees have been affected.
Meanwhile a resident from Nabavatu, Vanuabalavu described the weather system as horrible yesterday.
She says the whole system went over Vanaubalavu, and it felt like a system that was stronger than a category 2 cyclone.
Tropical Cyclone Rae is expected to slowly weaken while tracking South-southeast away from the Southern Lau Group later today.
The Nadi Weather Office says the centre of Cyclone Rae is located about 10km North-northeast of Ono-i-Lau or about 185km South of Kabara.
TC Rae is moving South-southeast at about 20 kilometres per hour over the Southern Lau Group.
A storm warning remains in force for Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau while a gale warning remains for Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Namuka-i-Lau, Kabara, Fulaga, Ogea and Totoya.
Meanwhile, an active convergence zone with associated strong to gale force winds will affect the Northern and Eastern parts of the group.
For Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau:
Expect gale to storm force winds with wind speeds from 65km/hr to 110km/hr and gusts from 90km/hr to 155km/hr.
Winds gradually easing to strong to gale with wind speeds up to 75km/hr and gusts up to 100km/hr this morning.
For Lakeba, Oneata, Moce, Komo, Namuka-i-Lau, Kabara, Fulaga, Ogea and Totoya: Expect strong to gale force winds with wind speeds from 45km/hr to 85km/hr and gusts from 80km/hr to 120km/hr.
A gale warning remains in force for the Eastern parts of Vanua Levu [Cakaudrove province, Eastern Macuata and Southern Bua], Cikobia, Naqelelevu, Taveuni, Koro, Ovalau and Ono-i-Lau.
Expect strong to gale force winds with wind speeds from 45km/hr to 85km/hr and gusts from 80km/hr to 120km/hr.
A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Vanua Levu, Northeastern parts of Viti Levu from Tailevu North through Ra-Rakiraki up to Tavua, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
For the Eastern and Northern parts of Viti Levu from Sigatoka through Suva to Tailevu North up to Rakiraki/Tavua, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands: expect fresh to strong southeasterly wind speeds up to 55km/hr and gusts up to 80km/hr.
A heavy rain warning remains in force for the whole of Fiji group.
A flash flood warning is in force for all small streams and low lying flash flood prone areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
Possible impacts expected from the tropical cyclone:
- significant structural damage to houses of unshielded and very light structures in exposed communities.
- possible disruption in communication network and power supply due to damaged power lines.
- trees/plants and crops damaged and downed.
- high risk of sea travel for all types of sea crafts.
Possible impacts due to heavy rain:
- localised flooding of susceptible communities, business and low lying areas.
- localised flooding of minor roads, Irish crossings and bridges with some disruption to traffic flow.
- severe flooding of major rivers which could flood towns and properties.
- poor visibility for drivers and mariners.
Schools in the Western and Central Divisions will remain open, and parents are encouraged to use their discretion when deciding whether to send their children to school.
Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro confirmed this saying the safety and well-being of students remain their top priority.
Radrodro says schools in the Northern Division, Lau Group and Lomaiviti except Rotuma will remain closed until further notice, with the closure continuing as a precautionary measure.
He urges school heads to stay in close communication with their Management Committees, District and Divisional Officers for updates.
Radrodro says the Ministry is monitoring the situation and will provide additional information as needed.
Flood waters at Nakama Village in Labasa and other nearby areas have finally receded after the heavy downpour yesterday.
Ridome Raisogo of Namaka Village says they are thankful that the rain has stopped and the water level has receded.
Kanta Prasad, who lives on Salusalu Street says the main cause of flooding in his area is poor drainage, as blocked drains have led to flooding in many parts of Labasa.
Floodwaters continue to block key crossings in Seaqaqa, with Colo Bridge, Lalakoro Crossing and Batiri Jalav Road still under water, making it difficult for people to travel to work or school.
While speaking to fijivillage News 60-year-old Seaqaqa resident Davendra Chotta says the heavy rain from 11am to 3pm yesterday led to flooding at Colo Bridge.
He says though the rain stopped at 2am this morning, the water level has not yet receded.
Chotta says the flooding has also affected local farms, with vegetable crops and sugarcane fields experiencing significant damage.
He says the bridge floods easily due to its low elevation and needs immediate repairs.
The resident is urging the Fiji Roads Authority to address the issue, stressing that natural disasters can happen at any time and disruptions like this greatly impact working families and students.
He calls on residents to remain cautious while floodwaters remain high.
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