Hurricane Daman is moving closer to the Fiji group and is expected to make landfall over Vanua Levu within the next 6 to 12 hours.
A hurricane warning remains in force for the Kia, Cikobia, north- eastern parts of Vanua Levu and nearby islands and the northern Lau group. A storm warning is in force for the rest of the eastern half of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby islands and central Lau group. A gale warning is in force for the southern Lau Group.
At around 7pm, Daman was located about 130 kilometres North-North-West of Labasa and Nabouwalu.
Nadi Weather Office Director Rajendra Prasad confirms that Hurricane Daman is now expected to make landfall somewhere between Labasa and Udu Point by midnight tonight or by early tomorrow morning, as it is heading straight into Cikobia on its current path.
Prasad said while the western parts of Viti Levu is now out of danger, with the hurricane's unpredictable movement, it could still affect the central parts of Viti Levu as Daman is expected to curve southeast later.
Prasad confirms that over the last two hours, Daman has slightly lost its intensity and close to its centre, the hurricane is estimated to have average winds of up to 180 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts of up to 260 kilometres per hour.
The hurricane is still moving east at about 18 kilometres per hour but is expected to curve more southeast tonight.
If you are living in the north eastern parts of Vanua Levu and nearby islands, and the northern Lau group and nearby smaller islands including Cikobia and Kia, expect winds increasing to very destructive hurricane force with average speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts of up to 260 kilometres per hour later overnight.
For the rest of the eastern half of Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby islands and the central Lau Group, expect winds increasing to destructive storm force with average speeds of up to 110 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 160 kilometres per hour tomorrow.
Over the southern Lau Group, winds increasing to damaging gale force of 65 to 85 kilometres per hour with momentary gusts to 110 kilometres from later tomorrow.
Flooding of low lying areas, rivers and streams and sea flooding of low lying coastal areas is expected due to continuous heavy rain.
Due to its current intensity, the hurricane can cause extensive structural damage to houses, infrastructure, large trees may fall, shrubs will be stripped.
Coastal and low lying escape routes may be flooded and coastal evacuation may be necessary.
Daman to Hit Vanua Levu Shortly
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