Yaro Village [Source: Yaro Village Headman, Kemueli-Lautiki]

Kia Island is being pelted with heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Yaro Village Headman Kemueli Lautiki says they started experiencing the rain and light winds from yesterday but it picked up this afternoon.

Lautiki says they are fearing tidal waves might hit them as the water level keeps increasing.

Yaro Village [Source: Yaro Village Headman, Kemueli-Lautiki]

He says they are hoping and praying that waves don’t hit them.

The villagers are now taking shelter in four homes that are now evacuation centres.

Lautiki says they have moved everyone including the young and elderly to these four homes to ensure they are safe.

Yaro Village [Source: Yaro Village Headman, Kemueli-Lautiki]

The four homes were also partially damaged by TC Yasa.

Kia Island was one of the maritime communities severely affected by TC Yasa.