Ten houses and an evacuation centre have been set aside for the villagers on the island of Matuku in the Lau Group.

Asenaca Rika, a nurse based in Matuku, says they are experiencing strong winds and occasional rain, however they have put up shutters on their houses and food rations have been prepared.

Rika says there are seven villages and 625 people on the island.

Meanwhile, all telephone lines in Vanua Balavu in the Lau Group are not in service due to the adverse weather condition.

Telecom has confirmed that all their landline numbers are currently down.