A hurricane warning is in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni, North Eastern Viti Levu, Northern Yasawa group, Lomaiviti group, Northern Lau group and nearby smaller islands.
The Nadi Weather office has warned people that Hurricane Daman is expected to cross Vanua Levu this afternoon as it takes a South East direction.
Hurricane Daman is now heading closer to the Fiji group. Daman was located near 15 decimal 5 South 177 decimal 4 East or about 135 kilometers North of Yasawa or 185 kilometers North West of Nabouwalu or 235 kilometers West North West of Labasa at 10am today.
Close to its centre, Hurricane Daman is estimated to have average winds of up to 175 kilometers per hour with momentary gusts of up to 250 kilometers per hour. The hurricane is now moving East at about 20 kilometers per hour but is expected to curve South East later.
If you are living in Vanua Levu, Taveuni, North Eastern Viti Levu, Northern Yasawa group, Lomaiviti group and Northern Lau group, expect winds increasing to damaging gale force from early this afternoon, strengthening further to destructive storm force and then to very destructive hurricane force with average speeds of up to 175 kilometers per hour with momentary gusts of up to 250 kilometers per hour later today.
For the Central parts of Viti Levu and the Southern Yasawa group, winds are expect to increase to damaging gale force later today. Winds are expected to strengthen further to destructive storm force with average speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour with momentary gusts to 170 kilometers per hour from tonight.
Flooding of low lying areas is expected due to continuous heavy rain.
Due to its current intensity, the hurricane 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 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 you 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. If you are looking outside the window and experiencing good weather, do not be mistaken as the weather condition will change rapidly from early this afternoon
Please secure your property, buy your food supplies, fill water in containers just in case there are water cuts and stock up on batteries and get a radio ready to listen to the weather reports just in case there are power cuts. The stand buy radio and batteries will assist you in finding out the exact location of the hurricane through Village and FM96.
Also ensure that your children remain indoors to avoid any tragedy.
Meanwhile, Labasa Mayor, Doctor Pradeep Singh has confirmed that they are experiencing slight rain.
He said businesspeople in Labasa town are taking heed of the hurricane warning and are preparing themselves for the worst.
A tree has fallen near Namulomulo on the main road from Nabouwalu to Labasa and PWD officials are currently trying to clear the road. In Bua, rain has stopped in the last hour. However people are experiencing strong winds.
The Savusavu town is emptying out as residents are bracing themselves for Hurricane Daman.
We cross over to Akisi Nayasa who is in Savusavu town.
It’s the calm before the storm and people are advised not to be complacent with sunshine now being experienced in many parts of Viti Levu.
Police in Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Rakiraki, Tavua and Sigatoka confirm that people are not much concerned about the approaching Hurricane.
The District Office's in Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Rakiraki, Tavua and Sigatoka also confirm that they are closely monitoring the weather situation and certain evacuation centers have been earmarked to be operational within moments if the need arises.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Commodore Esala Teleni is calling on people around the country to take heed of the Hurricane warning in place and prepare themselves as soon as possible.
Speaking at a press conference in the last hour, Teleni revealed that Police in all centers have been instructed to go out to the communities and advise people on what precautions to take,
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.
Feature
Hurricane warning in force for Vanua Levu
