Vanuatu, Fiji see heavy rain, flooding due to tropical cyclone Irene
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E-mail Xinhua, January 19, 2023
SUVA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The island nation of Vanuatu has experienced flooding, road closures and power cuts in capital city Port Vila as they feel adverse weather conditions due to tropical cyclone Irene.
According to Radio New Zealand on Thursday, there's been flooding in some areas of the capital and roadblocks caused by fallen trees. Some parts of Port Vila were enduring power cuts, and Irene has damaged fruit trees such as avocado and banana.
The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazard Department said that Irene would hit the island of Tanna, in south Vanuatu, around midday Thursday.
Air Vanuatu's international and domestic flights were canceled on Thursday and Friday for safety reasons.
Tropical depression 05F had intensified into a category 1 tropical cyclone named Irene at 6:00 p.m. local time Wednesday while located to the west of Vanuatu.
By 6:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, Irene had upgraded to a category 2 system to the south of Port Villa with maximum winds of 50 knots around the center, and it continues to be fast-moving in an east-southeast direction at around 25 knots.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Meteorological Service said on Thursday that even though Irene does not pose any direct threat to Fiji, an approaching active trough of low pressure and rain bands that is associated with the cyclone together with the prevailing northwesterly wind flow is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds over parts of the country.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong and gusty winds, and rough to very rough seas are expected for Yasawa and Mamanuca islands, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, western and northern Viti Levu, Fiji's main island, Bua Province, Macuata province, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.
It is expected to rain from time to time with thunderstorms over the rest of the Fiji islands.
Those living along the above-mentioned coastal areas are advised to remain cautious and vigilant of coastal sea flooding, especially during high tides.
In the South Pacific region, cyclone season is from November to April, with the peak period running usually from January to March. Enditem
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