Cyclone Tino reaches Category 3 as it approaches Tonga

Thousands had been evacuated from the Fiji islands that are in the cyclone's path.

JANUARY 18, 2020 09:23

A man looks at a washed away bridge along Umvumvu river following Cyclone Ida (photo credit: PHILIMON BULAWAYO) — A man looks at a washed away bridge along Umvumvu river following Cyclone Ida

(photo credit: PHILIMON BULAWAYO)

Floods were reported in Vanua Levu and Taveruni, and thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes as Cyclone Tino bears down on Tonga, the New Zealand Herald and Ynet reported on Saturday.

Tropical #CycloneTino formed early Friday, making it the 3rd cyclone of the season It will bring heavy rain, strong winds & rough seas to #Fiji (Friday-Saturday) & #Tonga (Friday-Sunday).Stay safe and follow the advice of local officials! pic.twitter.com/ijNrAzzy50
— Island Climate Update (@ICU_NIWA) January 16, 2020

Winds are expected to be “very destructive” and rage in Tonga until Sunday, possibility destroying buildings.

Tino is expected to be north of New Zealand by Monday, so the country is not expected to face a direct threat.

Cyclone season in that part of the world begins in November and ends in April. Tino was preceded by Cyclone Sarai a few weeks ago and Cyclone Rita in November. The existing scale is from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most intense and destructive cyclone.

In March, Cyclone Idai claimed the lives of more than a thousand people in Mozambique.

Tourists and residents currently in Fiji are advised to follow the advice of local authorities.