The Statement
As Cyclone Yasa heads towards Fiji, a social media post claims the nation’s energy provider has warned that energy supplies would be shut down in advance of the storm as a “precautionary measure”.
The Facebook post from a Fijian user features a photo of a document bearing the Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) logo.
The post reads, “Dear Valued Customers, As a precautionary measure in the wake of Category 5 TC Yasa, that is heading towards the Fiji Group and depending on the route of the cyclone, kindly note that the electricity supply to the whole island will be shut down without warning a few hours before the cyclone’s effect is at the maximum.”
Fiji braces for Cyclone Yasa with 16-meter waves forecast
Authorities have urged Fiji s population of nearly 1 million to seek higher ground, as Cyclone Yasa hit the South Pacific nation s two main islands. Meteorologists have warned the storm could swamp smaller islands.
A satellite image released by NASA shows Cyclone Yasa over Fiji earlier this week
Fijian leaders have urged the entire population of 930,000 to seek shelter under emergency orders as Cyclone Yasa roared across the South Pacific island nation.
Fiji s National Disaster Management Office warned the cyclone could generate waves as high as 16 meters (52 feet).
Yasa whirled over Vanua Levu, Fiji s main northern island, packing gusts of 250 kilometers per hour (200 miles per hour). It then headed southeast to pass near Suva, the capital, on the other main island of Viti Levu.
Fiji declares state of natural disaster as powerful cyclone approaches
Fiji declared a state of natural disaster on Thursday, ordering its entire population to take shelter ahead of a nightly curfew as a potentially devastating cyclone approached the Pacific Island nation.
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Thomson Reuters ·
Posted: Dec 17, 2020 3:04 AM ET | Last Updated: December 17, 2020
A house is shuttered in preparation for Cyclone Yasa in the Tamavua neighborhood of Suva, Fiji, Thursday. Yasa, a top category five storm, is expected to bring winds of up to 250 km/h and torrential rain across the South Pacific archipelago when it makes landfall overnight.(Aileen Torres-Bennet/The Associated Press)