Fiji schools will remain closed as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu intensifies

Fiji's Education Ministry has announced all schools will remain closed as Tropical Depression Vaianu strengthens.

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu has intensified rapidly to a category two cyclone.

The Fiji Meteorological Service said its expected to develop to a severe category 3 cyclone in the next 24 hours.

The Education Ministry said in the interest of public safety and in consultation with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), it is advising that all schools are to remain closed tomorrow and tertiary institutions are urged to make the necessary call as deemed fit.

An advisory said all students including boarders are to remain at home and the situation will be closely monitored with further advice to be issued accordingly .

The Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro is urging all parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and ensure no one attempts to cross flooded creeks or rivers and drains.

And he added that children are not to swim in rivers, creeks or the sea during this period likewise.

Alerts

A flash flood alert remains in force for the whole of Fiji.

A heavy rain warning remains in force for the entire Fiji group.

At 10am local, Tropical Cyclone Vaianu was analysed at 530km west northwest of Yasawa, moving south southeast at about 9km.

The trough of low pressure associated with Vaianu lies over the Fiji group.

Associated cloud, showers and rain are expected to affect the group for the next few days.

The Meteorological Service said flash flooding of flood prone low-lying informal settlements/communities, businesses and irish crossings leading to traffic disruptions.

Surface flooding on streets in urban areas with poor drainage.

It said wet roads and reduced visibility, especially during heavy downpours, increasing the risk of road accidents.