Fiji, Vanuatu – Tropical Cyclone Winston Update (GDACS, JTWC, Fiji Met. Services, Vanuatu Met. Services, OCHA, Media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 23 February 2016)

TC WINSTON continued moving south-east between the islands of Fiji and Vanuatu, slightly weakening. On 23 February at 0.00 UTC its centre was located approx. 470 km south-west of Viti Levu (Fiji) and 370 km east of Tafea province (Vanuatu) and it had max. sustained wind speed of 157 km/h.

Over the next 24 h it is forecast to move south-east, slightly weakening. On 24 February it will start moving south-west weakening further. Heavy rain and strong winds may continue to affect several parts of Fiji, as well as the province of Tafea (Vanuatu).

Heavy rain and strong winds continued to affect several parts of the Fiji, with approx. 63 mm of rain in 24 h recorded in Lakeba (Lau) over 21-22 February. Media report at least 29 people dead, over 8 400 evacuated, of which 121 in Eastern, 1 177 in Central, 1 260 in Northern and 5 880 in Western Divisions, and over 920 houses destroyed, as of 23 February early morning (UTC).