| Tropical Depression 10F | |
| Formed: | 5 April 2004 |
| Dissipated: | 9 April 2004 |
| Winds: | 30 |
| Winds: | 35 |
| Pressure: | 995 |
| Basin: | SPac |
| Fatalities: | 11 total |
| Economic-Year: | 2004 |
| Damage: | 4170000 |
| Areas: | Fiji |
Tropical Depression 10F (JTWC designation: 22P) was a small tropical depression that became the deadliest tropical cyclone of the 2004 season, claiming 11 lives in the Fiji islands.
Tropical Depression 10F was first identified early on April 5 by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center in Nadi, Fiji as a weak tropical disturbance.[1] The disturbance at this time was located about 700 km (435 mi) to the north of Port Vila, Vanuatu and was embedded within a monsoon trough that extended from the Solomon Islands to the north of Fiji.[1] Major convection around the system was displaced to the north and north east of the low level circulation center.[1] The system was located within a favorable area to develop further with sea surface temperatures of over 30 °C and light vertical windshear.[1]
Thousands of tourists holidaying in Fiji were asked to remain indoors while the tropical depression affected Fiji with domestic flights in and out of Fiji canceled.[2] People were also advised not to go out to sea and were advised to take precautions.[2] Public servants were also told to go home after ensuring that emergency procedures were in place, while schools were closed so that students could get home safely.[2]
Tropical Depression 15F brought strong winds heavy rain and flooding to Viti Levu and the Yasawa and Mamanuca group of islands.[2] The depression caused a total of F$ (US$) in damage, while at least 11 people were confirmed dead.[3] Damage and destruction caused by the depression was confined to a thin strip where the tropical depression had passed.[3] Many roads and bridges in Ba and Rakiraki were flooded causing landslides and severe damage to infrastructure and public utilities was reported.[2] [3] Family homes were severely damaged or were destroyed by being blown or washed away. Crops were also severely damaged or destroyed.[2] [3] The business community also suffered severely as the kings road between Ra and Tailevu was closed to all traffic for several days as parts of the road were washed away.[3] Communications were also severely affected at the height of the storm.[3]
The National Disaster Management Committee of Fiji initially reported on April 11 that seven people had died from the tropical depression with nine people missing.[4]
A woman was swept away while trying to cross the flooded Wainimala River in Naitasiri province, while another women was swept off a flooded bridge in Rakiraki.[5]
By April 12, the Fijian red cross had distributed more than $80,000 F$ (US$) worth of food parcels, however the food parcels were only expected last for two weeks.[6]