The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) has cancelled the Severe Weather Warning for heavy rain affecting the provinces of Torba, Sanma, and Penama.

Over the past weekend, these provinces experienced heavy rainfall caused by a low-pressure system located to the west of Santo Island.

In an interview with VBTC News, Weather Forecast Manager Jerry Timothy said that the analysis shows the system is about 710 kilometres west of New Caledonia and 940 kilometres west-southwest of Efate.

“This is not yet a tropical cyclone. It is just a low-pressure system within our area of interest, so we are monitoring it. The analysis shows that the system will continue to move in a south-westerly direction and then make a loop. As of today, it is positioned near 20 degrees south, 160 degrees east, and it is expected to loop and move back north,” Mr Timothy said.

He added that it is still too early to determine whether the low-pressure system could develop into a tropical cyclone, as atmospheric conditions such as moisture and temperature are not yet favourable. At this stage, there is no threat to Vanuatu.

“To say that the low pressure will become a tropical cyclone is still early, and the systems required to drive it into a tropical cyclone are not yet met,” he said.

Mr Timothy also said today’s analysis indicates the system will make a loop, and the department will continue to monitor it. The system is likely to turn back north.

“We will continue to monitor this and keep the public updated,” he said.

The department said rain or easterly winds are expected over the weekend in Sanma, Malampa, and Torba if the system moves north and further west.

VMGD has advised the public not to listen to rumours, but to rely on official weather information from the VMGD Weather Office at all times.