Track Map of Tropical Depression TD03F issued by the Fiji Meteorological Service Photo: Fiji Meteorological Service
Fiji's National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is urging people to avoid unnecessary travel, limit movements and to not cross flooded roads, rivers and streams as a tropical cyclone warning is issued for parts of Fiji.
The Tropical Disturbance TD03F will attain a category 1 cyclone status by midday today (local time) and will affect Fiji later today.
Bad weather associated with the weather system has already caused major flooding in parts of Fiji.
Water level is rising at Nadi Town and Sabeto⚠️
— Fiji NDMO (@FijiNDMO) January 8, 2022
Members of the public are strongly advised to refrain from any unnecessary travels and limit movements for your own safety‼
Stay safe ✊ pic.twitter.com/5NbWuOpP41
NDMO Director, Vasiti Soko said with the heavy rain warning and severe flood alert in place for most parts of Fiji, members of the public need to heed the advisories issued by authorities seriously to ensure their safety during such times.
She said flooding is one of the main areas of concerns.
Severe Weather Update
— Fiji Meteorological Service (@FJMETservice) January 8, 2022
Tropical depression TD03F was located about 300km west-southwest of Viwa & 340km west of Nadi at 6am today.
TD03F is moving east towards Fiji at about 15 km per hour.
For more information: https://t.co/KeqBY4IekC pic.twitter.com/jtdcfmYbTq
"Data released by the Fiji Police Force indicate that between 2017 and 2021, a total of 17 people had drowned during an event of natural disaster," Soko said.
"[The] Majority of these incidents involved people being swept away by strong currents while trying to cross flooded rivers, creeks, and streams during disasters. This is why the NDMO has continuously pleaded with the public to stay away from these flooded areas," she added.
For any queries regarding Evacuation Centres in your divisions, please contact the 4 Divisional EOCs or the Police Command Centres on the contact numbers provided ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/eh1pLOkB3O
— Fiji NDMO (@FijiNDMO) January 8, 2022
School closed
Due to flooding in several parts of Fiji and further flooding expected in the next few days, the Ministry of Education has confirmed that all schools are closed until further notice.
Permanent Secretary Doctor Anjeela Jokhan told Fiji Village online they will review the situation on a daily basis and will make an appropriate announcement on the resumption of schools.
She said all boarding students are to remain in school under the supervision of the heads of schools.
Teachers who are unable to travel to school due to flooding can work from home, she added.
