7 Jan 2019

Fiji told to remain cautious as Cyclone Mona moves south

11:00 am on 7 January 2019

The Fiji Met Service says the Lau group in the south of the country remains under threat from Cyclone Mona.

This morning the category one storm, with winds gusting to 120 km/hr, was located about 160 kilometres east of Lakeba, an island in Fiji's Eastern Division.

Mona is forecast to continue to move south in the waters between Fiji and Tonga but senior forecaster Amit Singh said it could still impact some southern islands.

"The gales extend towards the southern Lau group in southern Lau waters," he said.

"This system is expected, for now it is moving more southward, and in the next 12-18 hours it will start take a southwest turn and move over southern Lau waters till tomorrow evening."

The National Disaster Management Office advised the public to continue to take precautionary measures.

Tracking map of Cyclone Mona as of Monday morning

Tracking map of Cyclone Mona as of Monday morning Photo: Fiji Met Service

The NDMO said government operations and business was scheduled to continue as normal today but said people should continue to monitor the weather and exercise their own discretion when making the decision to report to work.

The office said this was particularly relevant for people living in flood prone and affected areas.

Several roads remain closed because of Mona.

The Roads Authority said 27 roads remain closed around the country mainly due to flooding.

The Queens and Kings Roads around the main island of Viti Levu are open but the agency advised people to take care and avoid crossing flooded areas.

A flood warning remained in place for all low lying areas, small streams and areas adjacent to major rivers including in Vanua Levu, Taveuni and the eastern half of Viti Levu.

Meanwhile the NDMO said over 2,000 people have sought shelter in 40 evacuation centres.

The office also said people should not the operation of water vessels should be restricted and people should not head out onto the waters.

The Maritime Safety Authority confirmed that all shipping services have been cancelled today.

However Fiji Airways is resuming normal operations today.