The Nadi Weather office has warned people that Hurricane Daman is expected to cross Vanua Levu this afternoon as it has now changed its path and is taking a South East direction.
Hurricane Daman is now heading closer to the Fiji group. Daman was located near 15 decimal 5 South 176 decimal 9 East or about 155 kilometers North North West of Yasawa or 220 kilometers North West Nabouwalu or 255 kilometers North North West of Nadi at 6am today.
Close to its centre, Hurricane Daman is estimated to have average winds of up to 155 kilometers per hour with momentary gusts of up to 220 kilometers per hour. The hurricane is now moving South East at about 15 kilometers per hour.
Tropical Cyclone Daman was upgraded to Hurricane level after the intensity of the winds increased to about 155 kilometers. Due to its current intensity, it can cause extensive structural damage to houses, infrastructure, large trees may fall, shrubs will be stripped. Coastal and low lying escape routes may be flooded and coastal evacuation may be necessary.
Nadi Weather Office Director, Rajendra Prasad said people should get prepared for Hurricane Daman now as Daman is expected to be worse than Cyclone Ami and Kina.
A Hurricane warning is now in force for the Yasawa Group, Northern Viti Levu, Western Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands.
A warning to everyone listening, Hurricane Daman is changing its direction quiet rapidly and is intensifying as it heads towards Vanua Levu. Take precautions now. Mariners do not go out to sea and people are advised to prepare for the worst. If you are staying in Viti Levu and thinking that he are out of danger because the cyclone is heading towards Vanua Levu, be warned and do not be mistaken as you will also feel the direct effect of Hurricane Daman - the Hurricane warning is now in force for the Yasawa group, Northern Viti Levu, Western Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands.
Meanwhile, residents in the North are all gearing for Hurricane Daman as remains for Daman to cross over the North division.
Speaking from Savusavu town Akisi Nayasa said that people have been going to the bank to take their savings out for necessary reparations.
Weddings and other functions are now being postponed as the people in the Northern division brace themselves for Hurricane Daman.
Speaking to Village News Bhaskaran Tiwari a resident of Bulileka, Labasa said they cannot take any risks and have to prepare for the worst.
We now cross over to Bua resident, Adi Kaveni Sainimili who said they are now experiencing heavy rain and strong winds in Nabouwalu.
All DISMAC centres are on standby for any evacuations.
Pajiliai Dubui, Senior DISMAC officer said that following the latest weather report they are all on high alert.
Meanwhile, Airline operators are also monitoring the current situation. Pacific Sun services have been suspended till midday today, and Pacific Sun adds that all passengers booked to travel on services today, are requested to contact Air Pacific reservations on 6720 888.
Air Fiji has confirmed that its services will be normal for today until the management decides to suspend flights later in the day.
Officials at the Nadi International Airport at this stage cannot confirm whether all flights, domestic and international will be operational today. It has only stated that Korean Air and Air New Zealand are still operational. Officials say they are awaiting the management decisions of each company.
Air Pacific has confirmed that all flights scheduled to depart Nadi today have been cancelled and will be rescheduled.
All scheduled boat trips to the North have been stopped for the time being by shipping company Patterson Brothers Shipping Company Limited.
George Patterson General Manager said that they have suspended all their trips to the North and that all their ships have been taken to their sheltering areas and that there are no operations at all today.
Sullivan Shipping has confirmed that their shipping services have also been postponed.
School managements should see that all their properties are safe and care must be taken to secure the library, labs and workshops in preparation for the hurricane.
The Ministry of Education reminds all teachers, parents and guardians to be cautious and keep track of all weather conditions and children at home are to be supervised and their movements confined to the safe environment of home.
School Managements are also advised that any damage to school properties have to be reported to the District Education Office as soon as possible in writing.
Feature
Hurricane Daman Intensifies
