Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is urging all Fijians to take heed and not be careless as severe Tropical Cyclone Winston continues to batter the Fiji Islands.

Bainimarama has been briefed about the situation on the ground and says Fiji needs to brace for something never seen before.

He spoke to FBC News in the last hour.

“Tropical Cyclone Winston has begun its assault on Fiji. It is being described as one of the powerful in recorded history – a Category 5 cyclone with winds approaching 300 kilometres an hour. As a nation, we are facing an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We must stick together as a people and look after each other. Be alert and be prepared.

I urge you all, if you haven’t already done so, to finalise your own preparations to survive this terrible event. We cannot afford to be complacent. And I am especially concerned that some people in urban areas of the country in particular do not appear to have heeded the warnings about the seriousness of the threat we all face.

I want to assure the nation that the Government is thoroughly prepared to deal with this crisis. Our evacuation centres are fully operational. And if you have any doubts about the ability of your own home to withstand the onslaught, I urge you to seek shelter where you are most likely to be safe and our officials can assist you.

I ask parents to be especially careful of the young and the elderly. Do not allow anyone to go outside during the storm itself. The threat of being hit by flying debris is extremely high.

By now, you should have done all you can to secure your property. Make sure you have adequate food and water, flashlights, candles and lanterns in case the power supply is disrupted and a battery operated radio to keep abreast of news of Cyclone Winston’s progress.

I was briefed not too long ago but an hour back by the national disaster management centre and top official of Government who are preparing themselves to render assistance wherever it is need.

There is bit complacency seen around in towns and urban areas, we should listen to the advice and go up and lock up your home and make sure we are safe.

Look after your families and especially mothers look after your children make sure they don’t go out especially in this time with the weather coming.”