Fiji in the firing line of Cyclone Daman by Rob McElwee
The southern Pacific Islands of Fiji are on alert as a tropical cyclone is expected to hit on Friday.
Cyclone Daman is currently rated as a Category 1 storm (the lowest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale) but could produce some very heavy rain that may well lead to widespread flooding with the possibility of landslides. Sea flooding of low-lying areas could also pose a risk. Forecasters at the Nadi Meteorological Centre in Fiji said that Daman could unleash around 250mm (10 inches) of rain and pack wind gusts of 85 mph (135 km/h) in places, with northern and western parts of the islands most at risk.
The cyclone is currently 286 miles (460 km) away from Fiji and is moving south at around 6 mph (10 km/h). It is expected to hit the islands as a category 1 storm.
The areas most likely to see damage are northern and western parts of the main island, Viti Levu, including the township of Nadi. The Yasawa and Mamanucas islands, which are popular honeymoon destinations for tourists, will also receive a direct hit. Suva, the capital of Fiji will not receive a direct hit but can expect heavy rain and strong winds.
Tropical storms are common in the South Pacific from November to April.
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