Tropical Cyclone Lusi has struck the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu causing flooding, destroying houses and crops and causing one reported death.
The Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office issued cyclone warnings for Torba (population 9,359), Sanma (45,855), Penama (30,819) and Malampa (36,727) Provinces on Sunday 9 March 2014. Approximately 72mm (3”) of rainfall was observed at Pekoa Airport in the 24 hour period up to 18h00UTC on Sunday.
Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office Philip Leto was reported as saying that people are still fleeing to evacuation centres as the storm moves southward.
“Most of the people have evacuated to evacuation centres not knowing whether their houses are damaged,” Mr Leto said.
Cyclone Lusi’s strong winds are reported to have uprooted coconut trees and damaged banana and cassava crops at Ambae in Penama Province. A man was said by authorities to have been killed by a falling branch on Pentecost Island in Penama Province.
AccuWeather expects about 50-100 mm (2”-4”) more rainfall in Vanuatu before the storm leaves the area late on Tuesday or Wednesday. It advises residents to brace for potential flash flooding until Wednesday.
The cyclone is predicted to continue in a southeast direction, passing 300km (188mi) to 400km (250mi) southwest of Fiji on Wednesday 12 March, bringing heavy rain to its Western and Northern Divisions.
Cyclone watch advisories have also been issued by the Solomon Islands government for Temotu, Makira, Rennell and Bellona, Southern Guadalcanal and Malaita Provinces.
Cyclone Lusi is expected to increase in strength as it moves over the ocean towards New Zealand, possibly becoming a Category 2 hurricane in the process. Even if it weakens as it traverses cooler water near New Zealand, Eric Leister, meteorologist at AccuWeather, warns that “it will be a dangerous storm regardless”.
Rainfall of 125mm (5”) or more is forecast for North Island, with flash-flooding and mudslides a major concern.
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Sources: IB Times; Radio Australia; ReliefWeb
