Cyclone Advisory - 12 January 2011

Please note that the tropical depression in the vicinity of Vanuatu (near Erromango island) has strengthened into a Tropical Cyclone ('TC Vania'). TC Vania is slowly moving South West at 5 knots in the direction of New Caledonia and is expected to be located just North of the Loyalty Islands by 7am Vanuatu time, 9am NZ time, tomorrow.

We recommend that all New Zealanders in the vicinity of TC Vania (those South of Efate) follow all advice/instructions issued by local authorities including on evacuation, and monitor news/weather/hurricane reports closely to keep up to date.

If you are able to keep family in NZ informed of your wellbeing and safety, we recommend you do so.

For those located in the southern islands of Erromango, Tanna and Aneityum, we recommend you relocate away from coastal areas and stay inside until TC Vania has passed. If possible, make sure you have adequate medical supplies of food, water and medication.

Contacts

If you require consular assistance, you can contact the New Zealand High Commission in Port Vila on 00678 7756808 or your local authorities for emergency on 00678 22222. For further information on the development of the cyclone we recommend that you check the following site http://www.meteo.gov.vu/.