Fiji: Cyclone Gavin [DHA-01: 06-Mar-97]
Fiji: Cyclone Gavin [DHA-01: 06-Mar-97]
United Nations
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Fiji - Cyclone Gavin
DHA Situation Report No. 1
6 March 1997
THIS MESSAGE IS NOT AN OFFICIAL CYCLONE WARNING OR ALERT FOR
ANY COUNTRY
SITUATION
1. The Nadi Meteorological Centre reports that on 6 March 1997, at 13.00 hrs
local time (01.00 hrs gmt), tropical cyclone Gavin was located near latitude
12.6 degrees south and longitude 179.5 degrees east, approximately 420 km
north of Labasa, Vanua Levu, Fiji. Close to its centre, the cyclone is
estimated to have average winds up to about 170 km/h with gusts up to 230
km/h.
2. The cyclone is likely to intensify further and is moving south at about 20
km/h towards Fiji. On this track, the cyclone centre is expected to lie about
70 km north of Labasa around 06.00 hrs local time tomorrow morning. Over
Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Northern Lau, Cikobia and nearby islands, winds are
expected to increase to destructive storm force with average speeds up to 110
km/h and momentary gusts to 165 km/h by tomorrow morning. Flooding, including
sea flooding of low-lying coastal areas is expected in islands affected by
storm force winds.
PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES
3. The DHA South Pacific Programme Office (SPPO) informs that, following
briefing sessions on Wednesday with the media and the National Disaster
Management Council, a special broadcasting unit was established at the
National Emergency Operations Centre and organizational preparedness measures
were put in place.
4. A cyclone warning has been issued for Vanua Levu and other areas
concerned. Community alerts have been upgraded with Fiji disaster management
officials conducting live broadcasts on a regular basis.
5. On Thursday, 6 March, the Prime Minister chaired a special briefing for
the diplomatic corps. The Fiji National Disaster Management Council (NDMC)
met to provide an update on the level of preparedness within ministries,
organizations and departments. All systems and resources are now on stand-by.
6. DHA Geneva is in close contact with SPPO and the DHA/ UNDP Resident
Representative in Suva, Fiji, to monitor the situation. Today, DHA/SPPO
conducted a special UN Disaster Management Team (UN-DMT) briefing.
Telephone No. +41-22-917.12.34
In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917.20.10
Desk Officer: Ms. S. Metzner-Strack, RCB Asia/Pacific Desk
Tel.+41-22-917.21.44/32.00
Press to contact: Ms. M. Moulin-Acevedo
Direct Tel. + 41-22-917.28.56
Telex: 414242 DHA CH
Fax: + 41-22-917.00.23
E-mail: DHAGVA@DHA.UNICC.ORG
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