As quickly as Tropical Cyclone Zena arrived, it has dissipated dramatically.

According to the latest data it would be difficult to even sustain as a category 1 cyclone.

Na Draki weather forecaster Neville Koop said the most significant impacts associated with TC Zena had already passed the west and occurred along the south coast of Viti Levu.

Squally winds, likely no more than 90kmph in gusts, were experienced around Suva and Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, but were not dangerous.

“Weather will improve in the  morning as the system moves east over Lau. Little if any effects will be experienced about the north of the country other than some squally northwest to westerly winds,” Koop said.

“We have prepared well for the risks presented to us earlier in the day. Fortunately mother nature has been kind to us and the extremely hazardous weather anticipated has failed to materialise.

“We can still expect some very strong northwest to westerly wind squalls over coming hours with a few heavy passing showers but nothing like the weather conditions that were expected.

Weather clears
“With the cyclone, or what is left of it, moving so quickly, weather will be largely clear from the western and central divisions.

“Flood waters will take some time to recede over the west, however with no more heavy rain falling and nothing further of any significance expected, river levels will start to drop quickly after sunrise about the west.”

Fiji Broadcasting News reported that a nationwide curfew, in place since 6pm last night, had been lifted.

Matilda Simmons is a Fiji Times reporter.

• Cyclone Zena threatens children, families in Fiji
  

The tropical disturbances have caused widespread flooding across large parts of the country, including areas already badly affected by Cyclone Winston.

Many rivers have broken their banks; high tides linked to the new moon are also of concern.
Cyclone Zena is predicted to pass through Fiji at Category 2 strength in the next 24 hours, travelling along the southern coast of Viti Levu, home to more than 70 percent of Fiji’s population.

Winds have already increased and wind gusts of up to 120kph are expected. Viti Levu’s southern coast includes Fiji’s densely populated capital Suva.

UNICEF Pacific communications specialist  Alice Clements, a New Zealander, said from her Suva base: “The flooding and rains associated with these three tropical disturbances could not come at a worse time for children and families in Fiji.

“These are the same families that were directly affected by Cyclone Winston just over a month ago. Far too many are sheltering under tarpaulins, pieces of salvaged corrugated iron, in tents or again in evacuation centres.”

Many people are still in evacuation centres following Cyclone Winston, numbers are once again increasing due to the latest flooding.

UNICEF Pacific’s representative Karen Allen said: “This poses significant threats to the health and wellbeing of children and families.

“Flooding and displacement like this exponentially increases the risk of all types of disease spreading quickly, especially diarrhoea, skin disease, eye infections and respiratory infections. The risk from diseases spread by mosquitos such as dengue and zika virus also increase.

“At a time like this we are also deeply concerned about the emotional wellbeing of children and families who have already been living under conditions of extreme stress since Cyclone Winston. For families who have already lost everything this will be a huge setback to their recovery efforts.”

UNICEF is monitoring the situation and will be joining rapid assessment missions to affected areas. The cyclone season has been especially unpredictable in the South Pacific, due to the effects of El Niño.