The nationwide curfew has just been lifted by the government.
However, it is expected to be imposed again when the need arises.
This has just been confirmed by Permanent Secretary for Information Lt Colonel Neumi Leweni.
On Hurricane Tomas:
Hurricane Tomas has intensified overnight and is now close to a category four hurricane.
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 now in force for the rest of the Fiji group.
Tomas centre was located near 14 decimal 9 south 179 decimal 8 west or about 200 km North Northeast of Labasa or 405 km North Northeast of Suva at 5am today.
Close to its centre the hurricane 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 hurricane is intensifying and moving South Southwest at 10 km/hr.
On this track the centre is expected to be located about 100km 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.
Meanwhile, 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.
The 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.
People also need to be mindful of the continuous heavy rain and sea flooding which is expected to result in flash flooding.
For Viti Levu, people living in Suva, Nausori, Navua, Rakiraki.
Please ensure that you take the necessary steps and secure your property.
You also have to take the necessary steps if you believe that your houses are not secure and would not be able to sustain hurricane force winds.
Please ensure that you have stocked up on food, batteries, torches and emergency lights.
Ensure that you have a transistor radio in case there are power cuts, as normally power supply gets affected due to fallen lines.
Also ensure that children are safe and please do not touch any broken powerlines.
Also store water, as water supply will be affected if there are power cuts.
All evacuation centres in the North, Eastern and Central Division have been activated.
In the North, some of the evacuation centres include, In Macuata, Boubale Indian School, Coqeloa Indian School, Qelemumu Indian School, Kava Primary, Labasa College, Labasa Civic Centre, Holy Family, Naqele Secondary, Naduna Primary, Naduna Secondary, Waiqele Secondary, Korotolutolu Secondary, Solove Indian School, Seaqaqa Central College, Dreketi High School, Valelawa Primary, Kia Village Church, Mali District Church, Daku Indian School, Nubu District School.
Cakaudrove - Dawara District School in Wailevu, St Paul Catholic, Laucala AOG Church, Wailevu West District School, Bagata Church.
St Bedes College, Savusavu Secondary School, Drano village church, Nasinu District School, Naweni District School, Nagigi Indian School, Savudrodro Community Hall, Yaroi Community Hall, Kubulau District School, Nadi District School, Nasolo village Church, Ratu Emori Village School, Vuya village School, Baravi School.
The Police team on duty in the North is ready to assist members of the public in any form.
Police spokesperson Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said while there is still time, people must ask for help and not be caught up in the midst of the storm.
The Education Ministry said all schools will remain closed today.
Minister Filipe Bole said after consultations, they have decided to close schools as students lives are at risks.
The Public Service Commission following the concurrence of the Prime Minister who is the Minister responsible for Public Service is advising all civil servants not working in essential services are to stay home and not report to work.
Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand said civil servants are therefore requested to secure their property, look after their families and be safe.
They should keep listening to the radio for further weather and related announcements.
However, those civil servants working in essential services are to report to work and those that are involved in direct operations of DISMAC are to report to the DISMAC centres.
Only Civil Servants who are in non-essential services are to stay home.
The Fiji Bus Operators Association has confirmed that there will be no bus services today.
This has been confirmed by General Secretary Rohit Latchan.
Feature
Nationawide curfew lifted for now
