Pacific travel agents are warning Kiwi travellers to stay alert in the coming months amid warnings of heightened cyclone activity in the region.
Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) said between seven to 11 named cyclones could form in the Southwest Pacific rolling into the “Cyclone Season” from starting on 1 November.
Island nations such as Samoa, Tokelau, and parts of Kiribati are expected to face an elevated risk.
For Pasifika people in New Zealand looking to make it home for the summer, or for tourists wanting to take advantage of good deals, travel agents told RNZ Pacific that it pays to plan ahead, and to expect harsh conditions after landing.
Ashneel Datt from Pacific Travel Agent, which serves New Zealand and Fiji, described December as a “dangerous” month.
“We make sure we let our customers know that flooding will be around … anything could happen,” Datt said.
“We have to closely monitor those cyclones, and there will definitely be flooding because there are a lot of low-lying areas.”
He advises travellers to choose their arrival location wisely, and not to travel too far inland on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, or to any flood-prone outer islands, in case of road closures.
“[If] they have to land in Nadi, going to Suva on the Kings Highway is very tough because most of the place will be flooded. If they’re landing in Nausori, it is easier to travel into the city.
“They mostly go to Denerau, which is mostly safe, but if travellers want to go around the island … I tell them not to, you might get stuck.”
‘Be mindful’
Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand CEO Julie White says travellers need to exercise caution – but travel agents were well accustomed to cyclone season.
“Every year, from out point of view, we understand these things happen, and we’re able to manage through it,” she said.
“If you’re going to one of the Pacific Islands that doesn’t have a lot of infrastructure, just be really mindful of that.
“You might want to take additional medical products with you, making sure you have available drinking water. They’re the type of things planning would help you front foot those.”
White encouraged people not to “panic cancel” and to trust the airlines and the receiving countries.
“You will forfeit your right to getting an alternative flight arranged for you at no additional cost.”
ESNZ said the risk of impacts are expected to be higher near and to the east of the International Date Line and recommends communities across the Pacific to pay close attention to any official advice if a weather warning related to a tropical cyclone is issued.
