Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is urging all Fijians to take seriously the impending disaster that will hit us come Sunday.

In his message to the nation, Bainimarama says people must not take lightly the warning given by authorities but secure their homes, businesses and properties.

People are also being advised to stock up on emergency and essential items.

Movement must be restricted and people must also refrain from unnecessary travel.

Parents are to ensure children are safe at home.

The Prime Minister also says, as this is the festive season, people should consider cancelling social events and to act responsibly.

He says alcohol and yaqona will not help the situation.

Meanwhile – the public is urged not to be fooled by the current fine weather we are experiencing and be prepared for Cyclone Evan as it will be hitting Fiji this Sunday.

Most parts of the country are experiencing sunny and fine conditions; however the Permanent Secretary for Information Sharon Smith-Johns says all efforts should now be put into preparation.

The message is that this is by all accounts all forecasting at the moment to be an extremely bad cyclone to hit us and probably the worst to hit us since cyclone Kina.

All shipping services will be cancelled.

A tourism team has been set up to look into the effect this impending disaster can have on the tourism industry and if there is a need to cancel flights, should it be necessary.

Tropical Cyclone Evan is expected to intensify into a category four cyclone when it reaches Fiji.

The typical effects of a category four cyclone include significant roofing loss and structural damage, dangerous airborne debris and widespread power failure.

Director Meteorology Alipate Waqaicelua says this is something really serious.

It is fully packed with very strong winds, very destructive hurricane force winds, damaging heavy swells and the potential to do damage is very high and what we are looking at is severe damage to any community if it directly impacts us.

Farmers are being urged to take the necessary precautions to secure their properties, livestock and their lives as we prepare for Cyclone Evan.

Agriculture Minister Colonel Inia Seruiratu says it is best for farmers to be prepared rather than leaving things too late and putting lives at risk.

Farmers in low-lying areas that are prone to floods should secure their houses and move belongings, machinery and animals to higher grounds.

Plans should also be in place to get maximum recovery from crops that will be affected.

Farmers who require assistance on the care and well-being of their farm animals during this wet weather period are advised to contact their nearest agriculture office.

Agriculture has always been the worst affected during natural disasters.

Meanwhile, the Education Ministry is also advising all school heads and committees to make necessary arrangements to ensure buildings and equipments are secured, and books are kept at safer places or higher grounds.

Permanent Secretary for Education Dr Brij Lal says teachers and students who are planning to travel this weekend should take heed of all advice coming from the weather office.