Bad Weather

Bad weather forces cancellation of Samoa Shipping’s inter-island service

In a statement the company said it would issue an update in due course.

Samoa Meteorology Division has identified Tropical Disturbance 01F which is currently located to the west of Savaii Island.

Meanwhile, a convergence zone which links to the system lies within the vicinity of Samoa with associated rain and thunderstorms.

A heavy rain and wind warning remains in effect for all of the country.

There is also a flood advisory for all major rivers and vulnerable areas.

 

Photo file Samoa Shipping Corporation Ltd 

     

Bad weather takes toll on French wine production

A production of 42.9m hectolitres (hl) (944m gallons) is forecast for 2016, down from last year's 47.8m hl.

The harvest is expected to be down by about a third in the Champagne region.

Prices will rise, although one French wine trader said the Brexit effect would be a greater inflationary pressure for UK buyers.

Jean-Pierre Hourlier, who sells mid-market French wines in the UK, said: "Prices are going up across the board because of the euro and the impact on transport because of Brexit."

Three die at sea in Fiji and four others are missing

The Office has confirmed that three people, including a three year old, died earlier this week after attempting to make the return crossing to the Ovalau mainland from Moturiki.

It also says four people are missing after leaving to go fishing three days ago off Rakiraki on the island of Viti Levu.

The NDMO says the incidents were associated with a weather system NOT connected to Cyclone Ula, which is passing through the Lau islands in the country's southeast.