The oceanic archipelago of Fiji is preparing for a cyclone. (symbol image)Image: www.imago-images.de
The rapidly intensifying tropical storm “Vaianu” is causing concern for the Fiji archipelago in the South Pacific.
Apr 06, 2026, 06:19Apr 06, 2026, 06:19
Authorities warn of heavy rain, flooding and strong winds. As a precautionary measure, schools and universities across the country will remain closed in coordination with civil protection. According to the National Weather Service, the cyclone quickly strengthened into a Category 2 cyclone – and could continue to gain strength through Tuesday.
Meteorologists expect it to become a Category 3 severe cyclone. However, it is considered unlikely that “Vaianu” will make direct landfall: the authorities expect it to move across the sea between Fiji and the neighboring state of Vanuatu.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro called on parents to keep a close eye on their children. Nobody should try to cross flooded rivers or roads. Swimming in rivers or the sea was also strongly discouraged. The authorities warned of flash floods, especially in low-lying regions and in densely populated areas.
Memories of violent cyclone “Yasa”
In the morning (local time) the center of the storm was around 530 kilometers northwest of the Yasawa island group. It was moving slowly in a southeasterly direction. At the end of 2020, the violent cyclone “Yasa” caused severe devastation in Fdishi and several people died.
Fiji, with almost a million inhabitants, is located north of New Zealand and east of Australia. The state with its capital Suva includes more than 300 islands. With its white sandy beaches and offshore coral reefs, the South Sea paradise is popular with holidaymakers from all over the world. (sda/dpa)