NZ told to prepare now as Cyclone Vaianu nears while second storm batters Pacific

New Zealand officials are warning people not to wait as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu tracks towards the country, with severe weather expected to hit later this week.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says the time to prepare is now, as the system moves southeast from near Fiji and is forecast to reach Aotearoa on Friday and Saturday.

“People should take time now to get ready before Cyclone Vaianu arrives,” NEMA Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price said in a statement.

“Act now and not later - later may be too late!”

The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rain and extremely strong winds, with the possibility of the highest-level weather warnings being issued.

Authorities are also concerned about landslides, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated.

“Trust your danger sense, and don’t wait for official warnings. Do not enter floodwaters, as they are dangerous and can kill you,” Price said.

Communities still recovering from earlier bad weather could be hit hardest, with officials urging people to secure loose items, clear drains, and stay up to date with official advice.

Families in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea are seeking shelter as Cyclone Maila brings strong winds, flooding and damage. Photo/Facebook/SIBC News

NEMA says people can find advice on preparing for storms, flooding and other severe weather in multiple languages at www.getready.govt.nz

While New Zealand braces, the wider Pacific is already dealing with the impact of multiple cyclones at once. They come as the region nears the end of its cyclone season, which usually runs from November to April.

Save the Children says Tropical Cyclone Maila has intensified into a category five system, threatening Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, while Fiji begins to assess the damage left behind by Cyclone Vaianu.

The aid agency says families are already being forced from their homes.

“In Solomon Islands, we understand the impact of the cyclone has already been felt, with reports of families evacuating their homes and seeking shelter in evacuation centres… with early reports of damage to buildings, schools and food gardens,” Pacific Regional Director Kim Koch said in a statement.

In Papua New Guinea, early reports show flooding, damaged homes, and washed-out roads, with some families moving to higher ground for safety.

Communities in Fiji are beginning to assess the damage left behind by Cyclone Vaianu, with recovery expected to take weeks in some areas. Photo/Facebook/Fiji government

At the same time, the effects of Vaianu are becoming clearer in Fiji.

“While the immediate threat of TC Vaianu has eased, the impacts… are starting to become clear, with the disaster bringing heavy rain, flash flooding and strong winds,” Koch said.

She warned that recovery could take weeks for some communities.

Across the region, children are among the most at risk.

“As three Pacific Island nations grapple with multiple cyclones simultaneously, children are invariably among the hardest hit… with many having to leave everything behind,” Koch said.

There are growing concerns about damage to schools, health services and food supplies, with the ongoing crisis adding pressure to communities already facing the effects of climate change.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has also warned Cyclone Maila could move towards Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula later this weekend.

For now, the focus remains on preparation and response with officials across the Pacific urging people to stay alert as the cyclone threat continues to unfold.