Villagers of Yasawa-i-Rara are gearing up and are bracing for an intensifying Tropical Cyclone Mal.
Village headman Naelesoni Toqitoqi says they have collected more rations and their evacuation centre will be activated if the weather intensifies.
Toqitoqi says they experienced continuous rain in the Yasawa's earlier yesterday, and villagers have been advised to take proactive measures.
He says fibreglass boats have been brought onto land.
Toqitoqi adds they have also stored water and secured their homes. Meanwhile, the centre of Cyclone Mal is located about 520 kilometres Northwest of Rotuma and about 880 kilometres Northwest of Yasawa-I-Rara.
TC Mal is expected to track to the west of Fiji within the next 24 to 48 hours and approach the group as a category 2 cyclone.
A Storm Warning is now in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, Western and Northern Viti Levu, while a Gale Warning is now in force for Rotuma, western Vanua Levu (Dreketi, Bua to Savusavu), eastern Viti Levu and Lomaiviti Group.
The Nadi Weather Office says this means that damaging cyclone-related winds are imminent in these locations within the next 24 hours.
A Storm Alert is in force for Southern Viti Levu, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
Stay with us for updates.
Read More here: https://www.fijivillage.com/news/TC-Mal-intensifies-into-category-2-system-and-will-pass-close-to-the-West-of-Fiji-tonight-r8x4f5/
