Storm Threat Eyed

Two disturbances to our West, one could develop into cyclone; flash flooding in Rakiraki, Ba areas

There is a possibility that one of two tropical disturbances TD14F and TD15F could develop into a Tropical Cyclone by tomorrow, the Nadi weather office has forecast.

Fiji Meteorological Service acting director, Misaele Funaki, last night said: “TD14F is close to Vanuatu and TD15F is a bit more East.

“It lies between Fiji and Vanuatu and even though their movement is slow, we will expect them to move towards the South-East direction.” Which means they would not come closer to Fiji.

According to the Fiji Meteorological Service website’s tropical cyclone outlook the potential for TD14F to develop into a tropical cyclone is LOW and the potential for TD15F is MODERATE. A heavy rain alert has been issued for Viti Levu, Yasawa and the Mamanuca groups, and nearby smaller islands. The systems were still a long away but Mr Funaki said the rain bands have spread across Fiji.

The special weather bulletin issued at 10pm stated that heavy rain remains in force for the whole Fiji group. A flood warning was issued also for areas adjacent to Rakiraki Town, Wailotua and Toge stations. An official from the Rakiraki Town Council told Fiji Sun last night that the Rakiraki River had burst its banks and parts of the town were flooded. The official could not confirm how bad the situation was.

Similarly, an official from the Ba Town Council said there was flash flooding in Veisaru and Koronubu. An active trough of low pressure lies slow moving over the country with associated cloud, rain and thunderstorms that may last until Wednesday.

This may lead to flooding of all small streams, creeks and low-lying areas close to major rivers all over the country as well. This is likely to last until Wednesday. A strong wind warning

also remains in force for the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, Western half of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and nearby smaller islands. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is calling on the public to take precautionary measures as the two tropical disturbances have begun to affect the Fiji Group. Director Akapusi Tuifagalele said the public must stay away from flooded waterways and areas, and to secure their dwellings.

The public are advised to listen to weather bulletins and adhere to advisories and warnings from relevant authorities. Parents are advised to keep their children away from flooded areas and to monitor their whereabouts at all times. Motorists are also advised not to cross flooded roads.