General

Officials are closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Tomas and Tropical Cyclone Ului as they impact on Fiji and Solomon Islands respectively.

New Zealand stands ready to respond if required.

Tropical Cyclone Tomas

Tropical Cyclone Tomas is moving southwards through eastern Fiji. Tomas remains a slow-moving category 4 system with estimated average winds of 170 kmh, and gusts of up to 270 km per hour. Tomas was 240km east northeast of Suva at 0530 this morning, and is currently passing over the low-lying Lau group. Over 10,000 people have been evacuated to centres across Fiji, mainly in Northern areas. Due to the effects of the storm, and problems with communications there are no official damage assessments yet from affected areas. Taveuni, Rabi, Kioa islands are likely to have been affected, and there are concerns around flooding in Labasa, and Viti Levu especially Coral Coast area. It is also likely that there will be loss of crops and damage to infrastructure in affected areas. The National Disaster Management Office in Fiji hopes to carry out an aerial survey of Vanua Levu and Cikobia as soon as possible. New Zealand has received no request for assistance, but stands ready to assist the people of Fiji if required. Tropical Cyclone Ului

Tropical Cyclone Ului lies near 13.1 S and 158.7 E southwest of Rennell Island in the southern Solomon Islands. It remains a category 4 system and is expected to continue moving slowly west-southwest toward Queensland Coast. The Main areas affected are Bellona and Rennell Islands (total popn 2500). The potential for flooding in low lying areas in Rennell and Bellona, Makira, Temotu, Guadalcanal and Russells and Northern Malaita Islands remains. There are no reports of casualties. Some informal reports of damage to buildings. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has been issuing warnings and taking precautions over the past few days and hopes to carry out an aerial surveillance of the southern islands as soon as possible. No indication at this stage of any need for international assistance but New Zealand stands ready to assist if required New Zealanders in the affected area

New Zealanders currently in Fiji and Solomon Islands should follow any instructions issued by the local authorities, monitor local media reports and register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at www.safetravel.govt.nz As flights in and out of Fiji have been suspended due to the cyclone, travellers with immediate plans to travel to Fiji should check with their airline or travel agent There are around 480 New Zealanders registered with the Ministry as being in Fiji and around 60 registered as being in Solomon Islands.