As Tropical Cyclone Evan is expected to affect the West of Viti Levu from later today, the Ministry of Information says people have to take the warnings seriously.

Permanent secretary Sharon Smith-Johns says if people know their areas will get affected and they need to move to evacuation centres, please do so.

“We would like to put out a warning for the West to now prepare for the worst as this cyclone moves in closer from 10am today and then to noon and peaking from 6pm onwards. We’re expecting Lautoka at about 2pm to have winds picked up and moving to Nadi and that also includes Ba, Tavua, Coral Coast and Korolevu. These winds are going to be very destructive. We are asking people to take shelter and take these warnings very seriously. We know this is going to come over the Yasawas and the Mamanuca’s and everybody should be fully prepared and to take it seriously as this is going to pick up and become worse. Through tonight, you will see Beqa and Kadavu, please move to a safe area. For the Central Division, Suva, Navua and Nausori we have been advised of heavy rain coming this way and of floodings of low lying areas. We’re asking people if they are lying in this area to move now.”