Huge waves hitting Fji

[wheels 543]

Where's Pete now?? Were they heading off to another Island? or are they still there.

Fiji authorities say there have been no casualties or injuries after high waves struck the country's popular Coral Coast tourist area today.

 

Fiji authorities earlier issued a disaster alert as huge waves slammed the area.

 

Several hotels have been affected by the waves, which were triggered by a slow moving trough of low pressure.

 

In a statement this afternoon, Fiji Police Force spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said the cost of the damage was not yet known and motorists in the area were warned to take care.

 

"We are awaiting further reports from the weather station and our man on the ground," he said.

 

The worst affected property appeared to be the Shangri La's Fijian Resort, where water went into 30 rooms, 10 of which were occupied by tourists. Seawalls had also been damaged, he said.

 

Other hotels had suffered minor damage, with three beachside villas at the Naviti Resort and Spa under water. At the Tambua Sands in Namada, Sigatoka, eight guests were moved to new accommodation after water entered four beach bures.

 

Water also entered some rooms at the Fiji Hideaway Resort in Tagaqe, and seawalls were damaged.

 

The Fiji Disaster Management Centre issued a public advisory, advising members of the public to take precautions, adding that flash flooding of low-lying areas was possible.

 

According to the Fiji Meteorological Services there will be occasional rain and squally thunderstorms over Eastern Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Lau and Lomaiviti Group and nearby smaller islands.

 

 

 

At 4pm the Fiji Disaster Management Centre warned the public to take public to take precautions and warned of damaging waves and swells for Yasawa and Mamanuca, Southwest Vitilevu, Kadavu Passage, Southern Koro Sea and Southern Lau Waters.

 

It says huge waves are expected to hit at 9pm.