People of Kadavu are now experiencing the first effects of Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Mal as gusty winds and heavy rain started early this morning.
Kadavu Provincial Administrator Joji Waqata says after their last brief this morning, they were advised by the Fiji Meteorological Services that the centre of TC Mal will be close to Kadavu at about 12pm today.
Waqata says they have been contacting the village headman around the island and advising them of the changes and the plans for today.
He says some of the evacuation centres on the island have opened and some have been occupied from last night.
Meanwhile, the Senior Assistant Roko Tui Kadavu, Filimoni Taka says they are working closely with the village headmen and district representatives to ensure the island is well prepared for Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Mal.
Taka says they have communicated to all village headmen about the cyclone and to be prepared for the worst.
