[Source: Supplied]

Strong winds and heavy rain have picked up in the Yasawa Group where the centre of TC Ana is expected to pass later tonight.

Turaga ni Koro of Gunu village Waisale Nasau says they can see breadfruits scattered on the ground and some farms destroyed.

He says villagers started with preparations two days ago, having learnt from their experiences in past natural disasters.

Nasau confirms more than 30 villagers are now sheltering at the Gaunavou Primary School, which is one of the evacuation centres for the Gunu and Nasoqo villagers in Naviti, Yasawa.

“We have started with our preparations when we first heard on the radio that Fiji will expect another cyclone, especially heading towards our way. I advised villagers to nail shutters and ensure their house and belongings are well secured. We moved to the evacuation centre this morning.”

The island is also experiencing storm surges which is causing coastal flooding.