Attachments
Description of the Event
Approximate date of impact
The Fiji Group was impacted by TC Mal rain and strong winds on the 14-15 Nov as per the Fiji Met Office's anticipated forecast of galeforce winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal hazards.
Provide any updates in the situation since the field report and explain what is expected to happen.
A low-pressure system emerged at north of the Solomon Islands on 10 November 2023 and intensified into tropical disturbance TD02F on 11 November 2023. This development prompted the Fiji Meteorological Office to circulate an alert on 12 November anticipating a potential increase into a Category 3 cyclone by 14 November 2023. Expanding the warning to encompass the entire Fiji Group for a projected impact on 14-15 November 2023, Fiji Met Office highlighted anticipated gale-force winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal hazards. Proactive measures were taken, including public advisories urging preparedness, school closures, and a work-from-home policy for nonessential government employees until 16 November 2023. As the cyclone passed Fiji Group and the situation unfolded, the impact was minimal although the weather system that brought heavy rains and strong winds affected almost 70,000 people in Viti Levu islands and the outer islands of the north and west of Fiji. Areas that were affected by torrential rainfall and strong wind include the Yasawa group of islands, Lautoka, Nadi, and Ba for the Western Division and Ovalau Island for the Eastern Division. Low-lying communities in these areas were flooded and those along the shores were inundated with strong currents from the sea.
Scope and Scale
The cyclone Category 3 with 65kmph sustained storm-force winds and gusts up to 93kmph which affected 69,564 people (13,913 households) in most Viti Levu Island and Yasawa and Mamanuca groups.
• Initially the location potentially impacted by the system was the entire Fiji Group: Yasawa, Mamanuca, Lau, Lomaiviti, and eastern Viti Levu. As the situation unfolded, the actual impact of heavy rains and strong wind was the Yasawa groups of islands, Ba, Lautoka, and Nadi in the West and Levuka on Ovalau Island in the East.
• Wind: Gale to storm-force winds (65 kph sustained, gusts up to 93 kph) possible across Fiji, causing potential damage to infrastructure, disruptions to power and communication networks, and hazardous travel conditions.
• Rain: Torrential heavy rains expected on Viti Levu, bringing the risk of:
o Flooding: Localized flooding, inundation in low-lying areas, and potential damage to homes and communities.
o Water contamination: High likelihood of contaminated water sources due to flooding and overflow of streams.
o Health impacts: Increased risk of waterborne diseases and other health issues due to compromised water access.
o Food insecurity: Damage to agriculture and livelihoods may restrict access to food.
• Coastal: Rough to very rough seas with high waves anticipated in Fiji Waters, posing danger to small vessels, and increasing risk of coastal inundation.
Additional Considerations:
• Potential for disruptions to essential services such as transportation, communication, and healthcare.
• The Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS) focused its early actions and preparedness measures in the Western, Central, and Eastern Divisions to assist approximately 7,500 people.