Tropical Cyclone Sarai intensifying

Tropical Cyclone Sarai has slowed down over the last few hours and is intensifying.

Director of Meteorology, Misaeli Funaki says TC Sarai now has average winds of 85km per hour with momentary gusts of 110km per hour close to its centre.

It is now moving south at 16km per hour.

Cyclone Sarai’s centre was located about 140km west north west of Viwa or about 230km northwest of Nadi at 1pm today.

It is now moving south at 16km per hour and is expected to turn and move southeast from tonight.

The centre of TC Sarai is expected to be located about 250km southwest of Nadi or 230km west-northwest of Kadavu at 1am tomorrow.

Tropical Cyclone Warning Number 17 issued 9:51am Friday 27 December 2019

The Cyclone is expected to be located 110km west of Kadavu at 1pm tomorrow.

A gale warning is now in force for Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Kadavu, Lomaiviti Group and nearby smaller islands.

A strong wind warning is in force for the Lau Group and Rotuma.

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

People are now being urged to take necessary precautions.

Funaki says people in the Western Division can expect gale force winds from this afternoon going into tonight.

He says people in the Central Division can also expect gale force winds from tonight.

Funaki says heavy rain will continue going into the afternoon and the night and there is major concern of possible flooding.

The Nadi Weather Office says based on its projected track, Tropical Cyclone Sarai is expected to intensify into a Category 2 system and pass just southwest of Nadi at 1 o’clock tomorrow morning and head for Kadavu later tomorrow.

A Category 1 Cyclone can cause damage to weak structures, crops and trees and blow over unsecured objects.

Those living in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Yasawa and Mamanuca group and nearby smaller islands should expect an increase in damaging gale force winds with an average speed of 85 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts of 110 kilometres per hour.

People can expect damaging gale force winds several hours before the centre of the system passes overhead or nearby.

Please also note that coastal sea flooding can be expected during high tide if the centre of the system passes nearby.

Stay with us for the latest on TC Sarai. You can contact us on 3314766/9923352/7734766 if you need any help and we will direct your call to relevant authorities. You can also contact us and send videos and photos from your area on our Facebook page Fijivillage.

Flood warning in force for major rivers in Tailevu and Naitasiri
By Dhanjay Deo

A flood warning is now in force for low lying areas and areas downstream of Wainimala river, particularly Nairukuruku Village in Naitasiri.

A flood alert is in force for low lying areas and areas adjacent to Korovou river and Nayavu area adjacent to Wainibuka river.

A flash flood warning remains in force for low lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to major rivers in the Central Division.

Water level in Nairukuruku was 5.09m at midday today which is 0.09m above warning level and increasing while water level in Nayavu was 5.68m which is 0.68m above alert level and increasing.
Water level in Korovou was 2.91m at midday today which is 0.41m above alert level and increasing.

The next high tide is at 8.16 tonight.

All emergency agencies on standby and ready to assist when need arises
By Violet Matakaibau

National Disaster Management Office Director, Vasiti Soko says all emergency agencies are now on standby and ready to assist when the need arises as Tropical Cyclone Sarai moves closer.

All agencies including Police and RFMF are being briefed on the situation.

None of the evacuation centres have been activated so far.

Soko says currently, government ministries are run by skeleton staff mostly by heads of departments as staff have been sent home to prepare for the cyclone.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was also briefed by the National Disaster Management Office on weather situation this morning.

Bainimarama says everyone is on standby.

Treasure Island Resort guests and staff are safe and secure as TC Sarai moves closer
By Semi Turaga

All guests and staff in Treasure Island Resort in the Mamanuca’s are safe and secure as Tropical Cyclone Sarai moves closer to the Yasawa and Mamanuca group.

Resort Operations Manager, Jack Stark says precautions have been taken to ensure everyone is safe and they are constantly talking to guests as they haven’t really had the full force of the winds as yet.

Stark says due to the rough seas they have also decided not to evacuate some of the guests.

Treasure Island Resort Operations Manager, Jack Stark

Bus services in the Western Division have ceased 
By Shanil Singh

All bus services in the Western Division have been ceased.

This has been confirmed by Fiji Bus Operators Association President, Nisar Ali Shah.

He says that bus services in the Central Division is normal.

Shops close in Lautoka City
By Shanil Singh

All shops have been closed in Lautoka City except for few supermarkets.

This was confirmed by NFA’s Station Officer in Lautoka, Berenado Daunivucu who says they are experiencing strong winds and continuous heavy rain.

He says there us minimal movement in the City.

Daunivucu says that they have some evacuation centres open in Lautoka but have not received any calls for rescue.

He adds that the Fire Station Officers are on standby for any emergency call.

Meanwhile, Arish Roy of Simla, Lautoka says winds are getting stronger.

Roy says that people have been proactive and have taking precautionary measures like putting shutters and storing necessary supplies.