Hurricane Tomas intensifies overnight

Hurricane Tomas has intensified overnight and is now close to a category four cyclone.Nadi Weather Office Director Rajendra Prasad confirmed this saying a hurricane warning is now in force for Cikobia, Eastern Half of Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Rabi, Kioa and nearby smaller islands.The Nadi Weather Office said a storm warning is in force for the rest of Vanua Levu, Yacata, Koro and nearby smaller islands, while a Gale warning is now in force for the rest of the Fiji group.Severe Tropical Cyclone Tomas centre was located near 14 decimal 7 south 179 decimal 8 west or about 215 km north-northeast of Labasa or 425 km north-north east of Suva at 3am today. Close to its centre the cyclone is estimated to have average winds of 150 km/hr increasing to 170km/hr with momentary gusts up to 230 km/hr in the next 12 to 24 hours. The cyclone is intensifying and moving south-southwest at 10 km/hr.On this track the cyclone centre is expected to be located about 100 km northeast of Labasa or 310 km north-northeast of Suva at 3pm today and about 45 km southeast of Labasa or 200 northeast of Suva at 3am tomorrow morning.More than 1000 people are taking shelter at the evacuation centers in Taveuni as winds strengthened throughout the night.Taveuni District Officer Ilivasi Tuitubou said Taveuni has been experiencing heavy rain and strong winds since late yesterday and communication with villages and settlements has been difficult.As a Hurricane warning is now in Force for Cikobia Island, the villagers of Vuninuku Cikobia said winds have become stronger, and they are expecting a lot of their crops to be damaged as a result of Hurricane Tomas.Reverend Seruki Baleibua said the situation has worsened and most of the villagers are still awake as most are monitoring the winds which have intensified. He added so far they know that most of their root crops have been damaged, and they anticipate some of their homes to be damaged as well. Situation in Savusavu is getting worse, as strength of the wind is getting stronger as Hurricane Tomas nears the Fiji group.A resident, Arun Sharma said people have taken precautionary measures after listening to the warnings.Meanwhile, residents of Vunicuicui outside Labasa town have been advised to leave their unsecured homes and take shelter at Vunicuicui Sanatan Dharam School. A resident Subhash Chand said many cane crops may have been damaged and also houses may have been affected by strong winds.About 20 people are sheltering at Muanidevo Indian School in Dreketi for safety reasons.Master Shalendra Raj who is also taking shelter at the center said many people who took shelter do not have secured homes and have moved with their families.According to Raj they are encountering strong winds and rainfall as they are concerned that weather may worsen in the next few hours.Parts of the roof top of PAFCO in the old capital, Levuka has been partially falling off due to the strong winds.Joseph Smith said he is concerned that some people are seen to be walking around in town and do not worry about their lives during the disaster. Smith has asked DISMAC to put stringent measures in place for people who are seen to be complacent with the warnings.