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TC Yasa’s centre is over Vanua Levu, making landfall in Bua
Yasa to stay over Vanua Levu for 3 to 6 hours

TC Yasa’s centre is over Vanua Levu, making landfall in Bua

Yasa to stay over Vanua Levu for 3 to 6 hours

By Vijay Narayan
17/12/2020

The Nadi Weather Office says the centre of Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa is over Bua and the whole category 5 cyclone is expected to cross Vanua Levu in 3 to 6 hours.

The centre of the system will go over Nasau and exit Sawani in Vanua Levu.

Atalifo says very destructive winds are being felt from Bua to Savusavu in Vanua Levu, Rakiraki to Tailevu in Viti Levu and Lomaiviti group, and then as the cyclone moves down further, Suva to Nausori areas will start getting destructive winds.

A hurricane warning remains in force for Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands including Yadua, Galoa, Kia and Mali, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Matuku, Moala, Totoya and Lomaiviti group and is now in force for Yacata, Cicia, Nayau, Lakeba, Oneata, Vanuavatu, Moce, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Fulaga and Ogea.

A storm warning remains in force for Yasawa group, Northern and Eastern half of Viti Levu (from Tavua to Rakiraki to Korovou, through to Suva to Navua) and Cikobia.

A gale warning remains in force for Mamanuca group, the rest of Viti Levu, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands and the rest of Lau group.

A storm surge and damaging heavy swell warning remains in force for coastal waters of Rotuma, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti and Lau group.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the whole of Fiji.

A severe flood warning is in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Vatukacevaceva and downstream of Rakiraki Town.

A flash flood warning remains in force for the low lying areas and areas adjacent to small streams for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, areas adjacent to Dreketilailai to Qawa River, low lying areas and areas adjacent to Bagata River in Savusavu.

A flash flood alert remain in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to major rivers for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

For Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands, Yacata, Cicia, Nayau, Lakeba, Oneata, Vanuavatu, Moce, Kabara, Namuka-i-Lau, Fulaga and Ogea - expect very destructive hurricane force winds upto 240 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts of upto 345 kilometres per hour, eriods of heavy rain and squally thunderstorms, flash flooding of low lying areas expected, landslides likely especially with continuous heavy falls, phenomenal seas and damaging heavy swells.

Storm surge with sea flooding of low lying coastal areas expected during high tides, with storm surge heights up to 3 metres expected along the coast when the cyclone centre passes nearby.

For Yasawa group, Northern and Eastern half of Viti Levu (from Tavua to Rakiraki to Korovou, through to Suva to Navua) and Cikobia, Mamanuca group, the rest of Viti Levu - expect destructive storm force winds upto 110 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts of upto 155 kilometres per hour.

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Seaqaqa family sheltering in a corner of their house after half of their roof blows away

By Shanil Singh
17/12/2020

A family in Vunivere, Seaqaqa is currently taking shelter in a corner of their house as almost half of their roof has been blown away by strong winds.

Liaqat Ali says they are only hoping that the winds do not get stronger because this will lead to their entire house being blown away.

He says some other houses in the area have also suffered severe damages.



Houses damaged in Yalava Tabia

By Semi Turaga
17/12/2020
[Source: Supplied]

There has been extensive damage to some houses in Yalava in Tabia, Labasa.

Our reporter, Mohammed Feroz lives in Tabia and gave us an update moments ago.




50 villagers in Dama, Bua evacuated

By Iva Danford
17/12/2020
Lekutu, Bua 5pm. [Source: Mohammed Javed]

50 villagers in Dama, Bua evacuated

More than 50 villagers in Dama, Bua have moved to their village Hall as they brace for the worst TC Yasa can bring.

Villager Viliame Vakacere says about 20 families have left their homes and moved to safety while 8 are still in their secured houses.

Vakacere says they have been preparing since Monday.



Seaqaqa family sheltering in a corner of their house after half of their roof blows away

By Shanil Singh
17/12/2020

A family in Vunivere, Seaqaqa is currently taking shelter in a corner of their house as almost half of their roof has been blown away by strong winds.

Liaqat Ali says they are only hoping that the winds do not get stronger because this will lead to their entire house being blown away.

He says some other houses in the area have also suffered severe damages.


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