All schools closed in Fiji as Tropical Cyclone Zena nears

All schools in Fiji were directed to close on Wednesday as Tropical Cyclone Zena was approaching and the Pacific island country's low-lying areas were flooded due to heavy rainfall.

With sustained winds of up to 35 kilometers per hour and stronger winds towards the center, Tropical Cyclone Zena, category 2, is fast approaching Fiji and is expected to pass in between the country's main island of Viti Levu and northern island of Vanua Levu, weather forecasters said.

Fiji as well as its easterly neighbor Vanuatu have issued tropical cyclone warnings.

Mahendra Reddy, Fiji's minister for education told the government-owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation that all schools across the country have been directed to close because of the cyclone alert, and parents and guardians are advised to monitor the weather and radio reports for more information on the situation.

With associated heavy rainfall, Tropical Cyclone Zena added to the woes of areas in Fiji affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston, a category 5 one that swept through the country in Februrary claiming 44 lives and leaving a path of destruction.

An array of areas affected by Winston, including the country's tourism hub of Nadi, have been flooded again.
  [Xinhua - globaltimes.cn]
  6/4/16