The Nadi Weather office has confirmed that Tropical Cyclone Gene has gained more strength in the last few hours as it gets away from the Western parts of Vitilevu.
Director Rajendra Prasad said the momentary gusts has increased to 150km per hour and much of the Western parts of Vitilevu and
other areas will continue to experience gale force winds and heavy rainfall up till tonight.
He added that the cyclone was located 140km West of Nadi around midday and slowly moving westwards away from the Fiji group.
Residents living in low lying areas are being asked to move to higher ground as the water levels are rising.
DISMAC Officer, Pajiliai Donui said that with the high tide in a few hours and the continuous heavy rain they are advising people to move to evacuation centres.
The Permanent Secretary for Health, Women and Social Welfare, Dr Lepani Waqatakirewa has advised the general public that in the height of the cyclone and adverse weather conditions that Fiji is currently facing, all health centres and nursing stations will remain closed.
Waqatakirewa said that only acute and emergency patients will be seen at all hospitals throughout the country, whilst all other normal clinics and services are currently suspended until further notice.
Meanwhile, TFL Group General Manager Network and Development, CP Anuj said that from this morning, telecommunication services including Wireline, EasyTel and Broadband were disrupted by the power blackout.
TFL Engineers are working to restore services as soon as possible.
Dismac Director, Joeli Rokovada blames the global climatic change on the weather system, which took people by suprise when Cyclone Gene struck the Fiji group yesterday.
However, Rokovada adds it is advisable that people should be ready all the time.
Feature
Tropical Cyclone Gene gains more strength
