Tropical Cyclone Tino has brought “destructive force winds” as it approached Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu. Residents in Fiji sheltered in evacuation centres as Tropical Cyclone Tino took aim at the Pacific island nation on Friday Jan 17th.
The Fiji Meteorological Service said the cyclone strengthened as it headed for Fiji’s second-largest island, Vanua Levu.
“We have told them to be prepared, the Ministry of Education has shut down all schools, the evacuation centres are open as well. Everyone is aware that there’s a system around,” forecaster Stephen Meke told Radio New Zealand.
Wind gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour (81mph) were forecast with warnings of heavy rain, coastal flooding and flash flooding in low lying areas.
Fiji Airways said it has cancelled several regional fights while adjusting the times of some international services.
Although the Pacific islands are popular tourist destinations in summer it is also the cyclone season, and Fiji is being targeted for the second time in three weeks.
Just after Christmas, Tropical Cyclone Sarai left two people dead and more than 2,500 needing emergency shelter as it damaged houses, crops and trees and cut electricity supplies.
On its present track, Tino would hit Tongatapu, the main island of neighbouring Tonga, on the weekend.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/cyclone-tino-hits-fiji-bringing-destructive-force-winds
Image Source: Twitter/@TCAPforTu8 https://twitter.com/TCAPforTu8/status/1218509508772651016
