Category 4- TC Harold affects Fiji

Effects of Tropical Cyclone Harold is being felt in most parts of Fiji.

RNZ Pacific reports that Fiji's Meteorological Service Director, Misaele Funaki says the category 4 cyclone, with wind speeds of 170km/h and gusts of 240 km/h, is now in Fiji waters.

Mr Funaki told Fiji Village that the big the concern are the damaging winds and heavy rain.

He said there is also the concern of flash flooding of low-lying areas.

The hurricane forces winds can cause extensive roofing damage on small houses, extensive damages to doors and windows, low-lying escape routes cut off, extensive structural damage to houses, utility buildings, shrubs stripped.

A Tropical Cyclone warning is in force for the Southern Parts of Viti Levu which includes areas from Momi, Nadroga through to Pacific Harbour, Kadavu, Beqa, Vatulele, Matuku, Vatoa and Ono-I-Lau.

Meanwhile, according to the Fijian Government, Police Officers were deployed to Wainokavula Village, Tailevu, following reports that 9 homes were destroyed and several people injured. Other reports coming in were from Momi Village, Tailevu, and Vusuya Village, Nausori, where homes were destroyed and reports of injuries.