Feature
Weather office advises children/workers to go home
The Nadi Weather Office has advised schools and employers this hour to start sending children and workers home as the tropical depression has now been termed a Tropical Cyclone.
Weather Office Director, Rajendra Prasad said DISMAC has been informed and people should take precautions now.
Prasad confirms that the Tropical Cyclone has been named Gene and we are now awaiting word for the Deputy Director of the Weather Office, Alipate Waqaicelua to give us further details about Tropical Cyclone Gene.
Meanwhile Prasad said people should not take the weather situation lightly as the Tropical Cyclone has now developed in the Fiji group.
Heavy rain can cause flooding in low lying areas, rivers and creeks.
Many areas around the country are currently facing power disruptions.
Fiji Electricity Authority's Corporate Communications Manager, Mabael Howard said strong winds, heavy rain and flooding is and will be causing disruptions and people have been advised to take extra precaution.
She is calling on people to call Fea if they see any fallen powerline immediately on 132 333 and people are urged to treat every line as being live and not to touch any wire.
In light of the Tropical Depression over Vanua Levu, the Labasa Mayor has cautioned people to remain alert during this time.
Mayor, Dr Pradeep Singh said things could get worse considering the heavy rain and strong winds that are currently being felt.
Labasa Mayor, Dr Pradeep Singh.
Winds have started to gain momentum in Savusavu with villagers already preparing themselves for the worst.
Yaroi Villager, Tilly Tabucala said that after mid day the weather suddenly changed after experiencing a calm weather throughout the morning.
Villagers in Koro have started moving their belongings as rain and strong winds have damaged a few houses.
Nacamaki villager, Illisoni Koroi told Village news that houses built during the 1950's were blown away this morning.
He also added that huge waves headed for the village this morning which prompted them to move to the village hall.
People in Rakiraki are experiencing heavy rain and strong winds currently.
A resident Sarvada Nand said it has been raining heavily since this morning and strong winds have uprooted small trees.
He said many people are without power there and heavy rain and strong wind has stopped people from going to town to buy batteries and other important things. He said many people have already put hurricane shutters.
