Tropical Cyclone Dovi causes major flooding in Vanuatu

Tropical Cyclone Dovi has intensified to a category two cyclone as makes its way to New Caledonia.

Authorities in Vanuatu have had to evacuate a number of families from Teouma Valley after their homes were flooded due to Tropical Cyclone Dovi.

The weather system has caused major flooding in parts of Vanuatu.

The Vanuatu Police Force and Joint Police Operation Centre help to move families at Teouma Valley to the evacuation centre near Eratap road.

Some of the families who were forced to leave their homes yesterday are now staying with their families at Erakor and Ohlen villages.

Heavy rain over the last few days caused the Teouma River to overflow.

There's no clear figure as to how many people in Port Vila, Efate and other islands affected by the flooding were moved to safety.

The bad weather led to businesses and schools to close.

Municipal markets were also closed yesterday, starting from lunch time as Port Vila residents rushed to the shops to buy groceries to stock-up their food supplies at home.

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department forecasts heavy rain with flash flooding expected over low lying areas, and areas

close to river banks, including coastal flooding over the Southern islands today and continuing tonight.

It said very rough seas with heavy swells will continue to remain over all Vanuatu waters.

New Caledonia

A level two cyclone warning has been issued in parts of New Caledonia, with authorities advising people to stop all activity and seek shelter immediately

As the weather system approaches New Caledonia tonight, 75 people have already joined an emergency shelter in Noumea.

Transit buses to get people to the shelter have been cancelled since 8am due to cyclone level warnings but people are still free to head to the centre with their own transport and can contact emergency services if they are in difficulty.

The shelter team is urging people to take the most essential items from home.