Tropical Cyclone Mal - Nov 2023

A low-pressure formed north of the Solomon Islands on Friday, 10 November 2023. This weather system developed into tropical disturbance TD02F on Saturday, 11 November 2023, and moved slowly to the east of the Solomon Islands. It is likely to intensify into a Category 3 tropical cyclone by Tuesday, 14 November 2023, or early Wednesday, 15 November 2023. Fiji Met Oce released a tropical cyclone alert on 12 November 2023, informing the projected path expected to approach the Fiji Group from later on Tuesday and continue its journey through the country on 15 November 2023. While the current projected path is over Viti Levu, there is signicant uncertainty at present as the system has not yet fully developed. It may become much clearer when the system becomes a tropical cyclone.

Given this new development, the whole Fiji Group is advised to be on alert for a possible tropical cyclone. Gale to storm force winds is likely over the country from later Tuesday into Wednesday, 14-15 November 2023. These winds can break tree branches, blow unsecured and loose materials, disrupt communication network and power supply due to damaged power lines, damage temporary and weak structures, increase the risk of sea travel for all types of sea crafts, and increase the risk for hazardous breaking waves and coastal inundation of debris along low lying coastal areas, especially during high tides. (IFRC, 15 Nov 2023)

On 15 November, Tropical Cyclone MAL passed Fiji as a category 3 tropical cyclone affecting some 230,000 people. As the eye of the storm was moving over open water, the affected areas sustained minor damage, primarily flooding, some destruction of crops, one landslide and some electricity outages. No deaths or injuries were reported. Small distributions of NFIs and food rations have been provided by government authorities and humanitarian partners. (OCHA, 20 Nov 2023)