A tropical depression in the Pacific Ocean has upgraded to category two cyclone in last 24 hours and is ready to threaten several pacific nations with heavy rains and strong winds. According to Fiji weather service, cyclone Pam was about 1000 km north of Nadi and is likely to cause heavy rain and strong winds.
It is already affecting northern Vanuatu and eastern Solomon Islands in terms of rain & wind. The storm is expected to move towards Fiji where its effect will be seen from Thursday onwards. Heavy rain is likely to continue on Friday and Saturday but, the risk of floods and heavy devastation would increase if the eye of the storm comes close to Fiji.
The Fiji Meteorological Service has predicted that cyclone Pam will intensify into a category three system in the next 24 to 36 hours. As per their estimates the cyclone has the potential to reach even CAT 5 storm with an eye as it nears Fiji islands. In normal course the cyclone is expected to move southwest of Fiji. People have been warned about the threat of floods and devastation it can cause. Residents of the area have been advised to be on alert and be aware that this cyclone can be bigger than the last cyclone Evan in December 2012.
