SUVA – The National Disaster Management Office is advising all Fijians to be on high alert and prepare to the highest levels as Tropical Cyclone Keni intensified into a Category 2 storm overnight.
6AM forecast and threat track maps released by the Fiji Meteorological Services this morning (Tuesday) indicate that Tropical Cyclone Keni is expected to again intensify into a Severe Category 3 system before passing south of Nadi then tracking south easterly before making landfall over Kadavu.
Category 3 cyclones can bring very destructive winds that can cause power disruptions and some roof and structural damages to homes.
While the whole Fiji Group must remain alert due to heavy rain and strong wind warnings in place for the whole group, this cyclone advisory is especially for the following areas:
- Viti Levu
- Yasawa and Mamanuca Group
- Beqa
- Vatulele
- Lomaiviti
- Moala, Totoya, Matuku
- Southern Lau Group
- Kadavu and Nearby Smaller Islands (Matanuku, Ono, and Galoa)
Communities in Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands (Matanuku, Ono, and Galoa) can expect destructive storm force winds with average speed of 100km/hour and momentary gusts to 140km/hr. From later today, they can expect these winds to increase to destructive hurricane force winds with average speed of 120km/hr and momentary gusts to 170km/hr.
Those in Southwest Viti Levu, from Lautoka through Sigatoka to Navua, the Mamanuca Group and Beqa, can expect damaging gale force winds with average speed of 80km/hr and momentary gusts to 110km/hr increasing to destructive storm force winds with average speed of 100km/hr and momentary gusts to 140km/hr from midday today.
For Yasawa and the rest of Viti Levu, the public can expect damaging gale force winds with average speed of 80km/hour and momentary gusts to 110km/hr from mid-morning today.
For communities in Lomaiviti Group, Moala, Totoya, Matuku, and Ono-i-Lau, winds will increase to damaging gale force with average speed of 80km/hour and momentary gusts to 110km/hr from later today.
The rest of Fiji may experience strong winds then increasing to damaging gale force winds later today.
Four hazards pose a great risk to communities this week: heavy rain, flash floods, very destructive cyclonic winds, storm surges, and thunderstorm.
Prepare a 3 day family disaster kit inclusive of drinking water, canned or dried foods, a torch, a battery powered radio, spare batteries, a knife, clothes, toiletries, and important documents. In case the need of evacuation may arise, families should have beddings and blankets prepared.
To prepare for severe cyclone conditions, members of the public should take the following actions if they have not already done so:
- Strengthen the walls and roof of homes
- Clear the compound of loose material that can easily be blown by strong or cyclonic winds
- Install window or door shutters
- Stock up on drinking water and dried food as refrigerators can be affected by possible power cuts
- Provide support to children and the elderly
- Stay informed of latest weather advice
In the event of a flood, members of the public should take heed of the following advice:
Evacuate to an evacuation center or safe place on higher ground.
Refrain from walking or driving through flood waters.
Practice caution when travelling along hillsides or landslide-prone areas.
Parents are to ensure that infants and children do not swim or play in or near flooded areas, drains, rivers, and other waterways.
The safety of children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities must be ensured.
Forecasts are being provided continuously but may change at any time. Members of the public are advised to stay informed for regular updates on all media for further alerts or advisories from authorities.
If in need of information, assistance, or help with evacuation, please refer to the following numbers:
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Police: 911
Fire: 910
Fiji Electricity Authority – Electrical Emergencies: 913
Police Command Centers:
Western Division Command – 9905457
Eastern Division Command – 9905563
Northern Division Command – 9905722
Southern Division Command – 9905529
DISMAC Phone Contacts:
National Emergency Operation Center: 3319250
Central Division: 3683250
Eastern Division: 7848858
Northern Division: 8280359
Western Division: 6281553
-ENDS-
