Today is one of the most dangerous days for all Fijians as Cyclone Pam moves down from Vanuatu.
While speaking during the release of 2014 drowning report today, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said the Water Safety Council figures confirm that 77% of the total drowning in Fiji last year occurred during the cyclone season.
Bainimarama said Cyclone Pam is now called a “monster storm” and the amount of rainfall it is dumping even at its outer reaches is extremely high.
Bainimarama said people need to be particularly vigilant in the areas outside our cities and towns.
The Prime Minister said more than half of the 47 drowning victims last year were under the age of 25, with children aged between one and five years old accounting for 23% of those cases.
He said from 47 drowning last year, 66% of the victims lived in rural parts of Fiji.
He said we can reduce the incidence of drowning if everyone is vigilant.
Bainimarama urges all parents to equip their children with the skills they need to get out of trouble if they are ever unfortunate enough to find themselves in danger.
Heavy Rain Warning
A heavy rain warning remains in force for Fiji.
A strong wind warning is in force for the land areas of the Western half of Viti Levu, Yasawa, Mamanuca group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Rotuma.
Tropical Cyclone Pam is now upgraded to a category 5 system and the centre is located 15.3 South 169.3 East or about 910km West North West of Nadi.
It is moving South South West at 14km per hour and is expected to lie about 880km west of Nadi at about 9pm tonight.
Although the cyclone is moving in a South South West direction, the Nadi Weather Office stresses that the indirect effects of Cyclone Pam will be felt in Fiji as it is a very broad system.
It said continuous heavy rain can lead to flash flooding.
Expect strong northerly winds with average speeds of 45 to 60km per hour and momentary gusts to 80km per hour over the Western half of Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca Group, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands. Rough to very rough seas.
Minister for National Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu said they are now monitoring rainfall based on the forecast given by the Nadi Weather Office.
Northern Division
The Northern Division is experiencing heavy rain and strong winds from this morning.
Commissioner Northern, Alipate Bolalevu said people need to be prepared for flooding.
The Fiji Roads Authority is mobilising teams to repair some of the damaged roads in the Northern Division.
Wainikoro Road in Labasa and the Northern Coastal Road in Taveuni are currently under repair.
The Northern Coastal road in Taveuni is cleared and work to widen the road is in progres.
Outer Islands
Yasawa-i-rara is also experiencing strong winds with occasional showers.
There are rough seas and a villager has confirmed that all Tourist Vessels on the island have been berthed at Musket Cove.
Rotuma is currently experiencing strong winds with rough seas.
The Bouy which serves as a navigation boundary to Rotuma Island has also been taken out by large waves.
Rotuma Island is now in lock down and movement around the island has been limited.
The Lau group continues to experience strong winds with rough seas and occasional showers.
In Vanuabalavu, the road from Dakuilomaloma to Muamua which was only accessible by four wheel drive vehicles yesterday has been closed off.
