Fiji: Tropical Cyclone Keni causes flooding and damages April 10 /update 4

Event

Tropical Cyclone Keni left flooding and damages in Fiji on Tuesday, April 10, including damages to homes on Kadavu. The cyclone also brought high winds and flooding to Viti Levu (the main island), including in Ba, Rakiraki, and Tavua, where a bridge was destroyed by floodwaters, isolating around 150 people and impeding the provision of emergency aid. As of Tuesday night (local time), over 60 roads on the island were cut off due to flooding. The storm also forced around 6000 people to evacuate to emergency shelters throughout the country.

As of 04:57 on Wednesday, April 11, Tropical Cyclone Keni remained at Category 3 strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h (80 mph) gusting to 185 km/h (115 mph). The storm was located roughly 140 km (87 mi) southeast of Ono-i-Lau (out of Fijian waters), and was tracking in a southeasterly direction at 43 km/h (27 mph). A strong wind warning remains in effect for Fiji and a heavy rain warning is still in effect for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby islands, and the Lau and Lomaiviti groups. A flood alert remains in effect for low-lying areas, streams, and areas near major rivers. Further rainfall and flooding in low-lying areas is expected in the coming hours, particularly in Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby islands, and the Lau and Lomaiviti groups. Though bus service has reportedly resumed on Viti Levu, lingering associated transportation disruptions (including flight delays and cancelations) are anticipated in areas affected by the storm. Local authorities have said that some schools and businesses have reopened on the main island; however, schools used as evacuation centers and those on Kadavu are expected to remain closed on Wednesday.

Context

Tropical Cyclone Keni came to Fiji only one week after the passage of Tropical Cyclone Josie (Category 1), which left six people dead in the island nation.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports and weather alerts issued by the Fiji Meteorological Service, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

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.