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TC Ula located approximately 810km east of Lakeba

TC Ula located approximately 810km east of Lakeba
Tropical Cyclone Ula Forecast Track Map Number 44 issued 0127 UTC Friday 1 January 2016 [Source: met.gov.fj]

Tropical cyclone Ula which is a category three system was located approximately 810km east of Lakeba or about 940km east of Udu Point at 7pm yesterday.

A tropical cyclone alert remains in force for the Lau group.

The Nadi Weather Office says a strong wind warning remains in force for eastern Viti Levu, Lau and Lomaiviti group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

The cyclone is moving towards the west south‑west at 17km per hour.

Close to its centre, tropical cyclone Ula is expected to have average winds of 150km per hour and momentary gusts up to 205km per hour.

On this track, the cyclone may bring damaging gale force winds over the Lau group.

The Nadi Weather Office is now expecting tropical cyclone, Ula, to enter Fiji waters early Sunday morning.

On its projected path, the cyclone is expected to maintain a west south‑west track and will move at 20km per hour.

For eastern Viti Levu, Lomaiviti group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, people can expect winds with average speed of 45km per hour gusting to 65km per hour.

The Nadi Weather Office says the western division should expect strong and gusty winds when TC Ula enters the Fiji Group.

The heavy rain warning previously in force for Eastern and Northern Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca Group has been cancelled.

A flood warning remains in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to Wailotua station and areas downstream of Wainibuka river.

There is still a flood warning in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to Nayavu station and areas downstream from Wainibuka river.

National Disaster Management Office Director Akapusi Tuifagalele says the Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force have been notified of the situation along with the rest of the district offices.

The National Emergency operation centre has been activated and Kalabu Secondary School has been opened as an evacuation centre.

Water levels in major rivers in the Central and Eastern division are now gradually decreasing but people are urged to remain alert.

The general public is advised to refrain from crossing flooded roads and areas. Parents are advised to supervise children at all times.

The National Emergency Operation Centre can be contacted on 3477000 or 9906320.

Three people are still missing at sea after the boat they were travelling in capsized near Ovalau.

Police say eight people had left Ovalau for Motoriki.

Villagers residing along the Tailevu North coastline and Ovalau are urged to keep a look out for the three missing people.

People who want to travel to upper Naitasiri are advised that seven roads are still closed.

These are Mataisau road, Waima road, Wainikovu road, Navu‑lokadi back road, Waila road, Naivucini road and Lutu road.

Members of the public are advised to refrain from using these roads until further notice.

Emergency operation officials based in Vunidawa are closely monitoring the situation as there is also no electricity in Vunidawa.

They say that there is sufficient back up electricity supply at the Vunidawa hospital.

The Nabouwalu road in the Northern Division is currently closed as the Makolei bridge has been washed away.

According to the Fiji Roads Authority, the road will be closed until the bridge is repaired.

There is also confirmation that a bus fell into the Makolei river after it tried to cross the broken Makolei bridge.

Emergency operation officials on the ground confirm that there were no injuries and the bus has been removed.

The Nalawa bridge in Savusavu is still closed as it underwater.

The Koroi‑ni‑solo road in Vatubogi, Bua is still closed due to a fallen tree.

In Cakaudrove, FEA officials have cleared broken power lines at Nukubalavu Road and areas near Daku Resort.

Stay with us for the latest weather report and latest developments from around the country.

The National Emergency Operation Center can be contacted on 3477000 or 9906320.

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