JourneyOnline
UnitingWorld has heard from the Pacific Conference of Churches, Fiji, as the country braces for what is predicted to be the worst cyclone to have hit the South Pacific nation in recent history.
A nation wide curfew was in place yesterday, but has now been lifted temporarily in order to allow residents time to prepare their homes and families and gather provisions. Thousands of residents are presently taking shelter in evacuation centres.
Emergency procedures are in place, and residents of smaller outlying islands have been evacuated and moved to Fiji’s main island. Wind speeds are likely to peak at 200 km/h, resulting in widespread flooding in low lying areas.
Reports from a representative of the United Nations in Fiji indicate that Cyclone Tomas intensified overnight from a category three to a category four storm.
A gale warning is also in place for Tuvalu and Wallis and Futana.
General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches Fe’iloakitau Keho Tevi is in the capital city of Suva, and has asked us to be in prayer for those at risk.
“The people of the outer islands are directly in the path of Cyclone Tomas. We pray that they may find safety and that lives are saved.
“We are especially mindful of our Moderator Bishop Qiliho and the people of Labasa, in the north of Fiji that…has wind gusts of up to 230 km per hour.
“We are all ready for the cyclone to hit within the next few hours.”
The offices of the Pacific Conference of Churches and the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma have closed until the danger passes.
Please pray for those who are at risk as Cyclone Tomas continues to approach our Church Partners in Fiji.
