Schools in the Lau Group have been closed as strong winds and heavy rain begin to affect the islands as Tropical Cyclone Winston slowly approaches.

The National Disaster Management Office is monitoring the situation and has been in touch with villages in the Lau Group.

Director Akapusi Tuifagalele says their concern tonight is the Lau Group where the effect of TC Winston will intensify.

‘’We have already been in contact with some of the villages in Ono-I-Lau and also in Vatoa. We also have got information from the Ministry of Education that for schools in Ono-I-Lau that has already closed because of the strong winds and the heavy rain that has followed and similarly too with Vatoa. Have requested for the Ministry of Education to liaise with the schools and if there is a need be for the safety of the children for them to close and to open when it is clear again’’.

Minister for Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu has told FBC News that all four Divisional Commissioners have been directed to activate their teams in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Seruiratu says Fijians in vulnerable areas need to act now.