Overview
- Vaianu, at Category 2 on Monday, prompted nationwide school and university closures and warnings for heavy rain, flooding and strong winds.
- Authorities expect the center to pass over open water between Fiji and Vanuatu, so a direct hit is unlikely even as coastal and marine hazards persist.
- Meteorologists say the storm could intensify into a severe Category 3 cyclone by Tuesday.
- The system sat about 530 kilometers northwest of the Yasawa islands and crept southeast, a slow pace that can prolong downpours and raise flash-flood risk.
- Education Minister Aseri Radrodro urged parents to watch children and told people to avoid flooded roads, rivers and the sea, recalling the deadly impact of Cyclone Yasa in 2020.