Fiji hit by ‘longest, strongest, most destructive’ Cyclone Tomas
Australia and New Zealand have begun airlifting aid to the Pacific island nation of Fiji, battered by a powerful cyclone which sparked sea surges. The planes are taking relief supplies, including tarpaulins, and are also carrying out surveys of the damage. A state of emergency was declared after Cyclone Tomas struck on Monday and Tuesday, battering the north and east. The country’s military leader described the damage as “overwhelming”. So far only one death has been confirmed. However, the director of the country’s National Disaster Management Office, Pajiliai Dobui, said there were unconfirmed reports of “a few” deaths, AFP reports. “Those who have experienced other cyclones say this is the longest and the strongest they have come across – and the most destructive,” Mr Dobui said. The full extent of the damage is still unknown because communication lines with the hardest-hit remote areas were cut off for days. … Cyclone Tomas, a category four storm with winds of up to 205kmh (130mph) at its centre, is weakening as it moves away. However, the sea surges have caused significant flooding and will probably take up to 36 hours to subside completely, according to Fiji’s tropical cyclone centre. …
