TOURISM FIJI WEATHER & SITUATION UPDATE NO.3

Nadi, Fiji – 3.00pm Fiji local time, 02 April 2012

A state of emergency remains in place as a tropical depression continues to affect Fiji with strong winds, thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain causing localised flooding.

However the Fijian Government has now lifted the temporary embargo on airlines carrying passengers on flights into Fiji effective as of 1:00pm (Fiji local time), Monday 02 April 2012.
  International visitors to Fiji must also be aware that while every effort is being made to minimize inconvenience that has resulted from the current inclement weather, services and transportation within Fiji are not as yet at their optimum levels.
  The damaged roads that had blocked Nadi off from other areas of the country are now passable and passengers need to be aware that they need to check directly with their hotels to ensure accommodation availability. 

 Domestic air services between Suva and Nadi are operating but services to the outer islands including Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Savusavu have been cancelled and passengers should contact Pacific Sun regarding schedules.

On the water, inter-island cruise and ferry services to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are operating on a limited basis to transport guests to Nadi and Nadi International Airport.

Transporting of passengers from major hotels on the Coral Coast to Nadi International Airport has resumed.

The road linking Nadi International Airport and the Denarau Island resort complex is operational however is subject to high tides and flooding.

 While resources are strained hotels and resorts across the destination have continued to provide services to their guests and no reports of damage to any major hotel or resort have been received.

 On the weather front a tropical depression that was located approximately 720 kilometres south south west of Nadi at 9.00am this morning is expected to intensify and cause periods of rain and squally thunderstorms. 

 A tropical cyclone warning is in place for Fiji and a gale warning remains in force for western Viti Levu, Yasawa and Mamanuca group, southern Lau, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands. There is also a severe flood warning for all major rivers, streams and low lying areas of Viti Levu.
  With its current speed and trend, this weather system is expected to apex at approximately midnight Monday, 02 April 2012 and weather gradually improve through Wednesday

Tourism Fiji will advise further on a regular basis as more information comes to hand.

Released by Tourism Fiji