Vanuatu, New Caledonia - Tropical Cyclone HOLA Update

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 06:25:00 +01:00

Tropical Cyclone HOLA continued moving over water between Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Over the next 24 hours, it is forecast to move south-southeast and could pass near/over Loyalty Islands on 9-10 March. It is then forecast to move toward the North Island of New Zealand. Heavy rain, strong winds and storm surge may continue to affect southern Vanuatu and New Caledonia, especially the Loyalty islands, on 9-11 March, as well as New Zealand's North Island on 12-13 March.
The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazard Department has reported that, as of 9 March, a red alert is in effect for Tafea provinces and a yellow alert for Shefa province. According to Meteo France New Caledonia, a cyclone alert two is in place for Ouvea, Lifou and Mare. A pre-alert remains for the rest of New Caledonia.
Media reported that one person was killed and two others were injured in south Pentecost (Vanuatu). They also reported that several houses, including a school, have been damaged or collapsed and many trees have fallen due to strong winds in several islands of Vanuatu.