Fiji: Severe flooding due to Tropical Cyclone Josie as of April 1

Event

Heavy rain and strong winds associated with Tropical Cyclone Josie, which was upgraded to a Category 1 cyclone overnight March 31-April 1 as it passed south of the archipelago, had caused major flooding in parts of Fiji as of Sunday, April 1. Average winds on Monday, April 2, are expected to reach up to 75 kph (46 mph) in some areas with momentary gusts up to to 100 kph (62 mph); gale force wind warnings are expected in Yasawa, Mamanuca, Viti Levu, Kadavu as well as on the islands of Lau and Lomaiviti, but the Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a general warning for heavy winds and rain across the entire country. Flood warnings will remain in effect through at least Tuesday, April 3, for Semo village, Nawaka, Mulomulo, Votualevu to Nadi Town, Toge to Ba Town, Vatukacevaceva to Rakiraki Town, Nasivi to Tavua Town, Navua Town and Keyasi to Sigatoka Town. Power outages have also been reported across the archipelago, with residents in Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki reportedly without power as of April 1. Meanwhile, 21 roads in the Central division, 47 in the Western Division, and two in the Northern Division were closed and impassable as of April 1. At least four people have reportedly been killed by the storm, with one death reported in Ba district, one in Lautoka, and two more in Uciwai (Nadi); one person remains missing in Sabeto (Nadi). As of the early hours of April 2, the storm was moving south of Fiji in an east-southeast direction toward Australia's eastern coast, although its trajectory could change in the coming hours.

Context

Cyclone season in the region typically lasts from November to April but storms can occur outside this period.

Advice

Individuals present in Fiji are advised to monitor local weather reports and follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders). In the event of flooding, remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.