The Western parts of the country are feeling the full brunt of tropical cyclone Gene as damaging gale force winds and heavy rain is experienced by Western Vitilevu and other smaller islands.
Nadi Weather Office Director, Rajendra Prasad said that at 9 o'clock the cyclone was located about 100km West of Nadi and has slowed down moving westwards today at 10-15 km/hr.
Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Gene had its centre located near 17 decimal 5 South, 176 decimal 4 East.
He said people living in low lying areas should continue to take precautions.
Nadi workers have been sent home with schools being closed.
Nadi resident, Peter Chang said that this morning hotel workers were told to go home and prepare themselves as the weather has worsened.
DISMAC in Rakiraki say that the entrance to Rakiraki town is still flooded at the moment although the water is receeding slowly.
There were two reports received this morning, from Naqele-cibi Village in Saivou in Ra, and villagers reported that only their plantation was damaged.
In Nubumakita Village in Ra, some houses were damaged and the water pipes were also broken and part of the bridge to Nubumakita village has been destroyed due to the strong current last night.
The District Officers in Rakiraki have also informed that there are two evacuation centres, one centre is in Wairuku in Rakiraki and the other is the CMF Church in Rakiraki town and a few families are taking shelter there, at the moment.
Ba Resident, Maria Shackley said so far, the weather has calmed a little since last night adding that there is still no electricity in their area.
People in the Central, Western and Northern Divisions are expected to remain without power supply until further notice.
FEA confirms that due to the deteriorating weather conditions, the 132 kilovolt power line that feeds the whole of the Central Division from Wailoa Power Station has tripped which is the cause of the current power blackout.
The FEA said other areas without power include the whole of Labasa and Savusavu and engineers and technicians are doing everything to try and restore power supply.
Members of the public are reminded to take extra precautions and keep away from broken power lines and to treat every line as LIVE.
Nausori Police has confirmed that water is rising in Rewa river and in the last hour it has risen to above 5 feet than normal.
Sawani flats are also under 3 feet of water and Police are now checking on which other areas are flooded.
Feature
Western Parts feeling Cyclone Gene’s brunt
