Tropical low

In the past 6 hours, the system was moving in an east south-easterly direction at 25 KM/HR.

Vanuatu Met said the potential for the tropical low to become a tropical cyclone within the next 6 to 12 hours and move towards the country is high.

Heavy rainfalls are expected over Vanuatu group with flash flooding expected in low lying areas, areas close to the river banks.

Coastal flooding is also anticipated.

Seas will become rough to very rough with moderate to heavy swells as the system crosses over to Vanuatu’s area of responsibility.

The Tropical Low is about 295km west southwest of Santo.

VMGD said in the past 12 hours, the system was moving in a northeasterly direction at 18km/hr.

The potential for the system to develop into a tropical cyclone and move towards Vanuatu in the next 12 to 24 hours is low to moderate.

At this stage, the Tropical Low does not pose any significant threat yet to the islands of Vanuatu. However, isolated heavy rainfalls are expected over Northern and parts of Central Vanuatu and extending over parts of the Northern and Central Islands.

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) said the La Nina increases chances of above rainfall across the country with increased chances of flooding, flash flooding, mudslide and overflow of river banks.

While Vanuatu is in its normal wet season (November to April), the current established La Nina event and potential development of any tropical lows or tropical cyclones within the Vanuatu Area of Responsibilities may triple the amount of rainfall In Vanuatu.