Tropical Cyclone Vaianu ravaged parts of the Western Division yesterday, leaving a trail of submerged plantations and structural damage in its wake as it tracked close to the Fiji Group.
The force of the system was felt across the division.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, many residents were seen wading through the flooded waters, clearing debris from their compounds, determined to salvage what little they could .
The winds ripped signboards and billboards from their foundations.
In a series of urgent updates, the Government confirmed that the safety of the public remains a priority, directing that schools remain closed today.
This followed the early release of non-essential civil servants yesterday, all of whom have been ordered to remain at home today as the nation waits for the system to pass. While a strong wind warning remains active, relief is on the horizon. The Fiji Meteorological Service expects winds to ease over the Fiji Group today, with the rain also forecast to subside later this evening.
TC Vaianu is expected to maintain its projected southeast path, eventually clearing the Fiji Group of any hazards by Thursday.
A public advisory issued by the Government yesterday confirmed that another system – Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila – was located to the west of the Solomon Islands. While it currently remains within Australia’s Area of Responsibility, its presence highlights the volatility of the current season.
“At this stage TC Maila poses no threat to Fiji and is not expected to affect the country in the coming days,” the advisory stated.
The Government stressed that the simultaneous presence of two Category three severe tropical cyclones in the South Pacific indicates that activity remains high across the region.
l Editorial Comment on PAGE 8
