Fiji Disaster Management Office said on Tuesday, 16 March 2010 that at least 17000 people have been vacated to 240 shelters and minimum 50 homes were destroyed. Fiji announced a state of emergency and commanded help operations in northern regions. Thousands of people run away from their home because of heavy and powerful cyclone.
On its fourth day over Fiji and over central Lau, people should anticipate increasing winds. A 30-day state of emergency has been announced due to natural calamity in Northern and Eastern areas of Fiji, the cyclone continues with heavy winds.
Anthony Blake, the Operations manager said, “communications are still difficult but at least 50 homes are known to have been destroyed and many more damaged” and also added the declaration of a state of disaster will free up resources for the affected areas, and police, army and other emergency services are being deployed”.
Power was out in most parts of the Northern Division and some roads were closed because of heavy flooding. Untill Wednesday morning, the Fiji interim government has announced a nationwide curfew and one death have been reported. Schools and government offices remained closed untill Tuesday.
In the seven years, one of the biggest cyclones to beat the region and lashed northern parts of the Pacific island nation on Monday, producing winds of up to 270km/h. Waves goes up to seven meters high off Vanua Levu, lashing out the island and cutting power.
The conditions are very bad and uncertain. The main airport in Fiji named Nadi International Airport is servicing by Air New Zealand. The State Department caution is also checked by Los Angeles travelers before heading to Fiji. The flight schedules are also uncertain.
The State government ordered troops for help people by providing them food, water, basic things and more. Suva, the capital of the country has been lashed by heavy winds and rains. On last Friday, a 31 year old lady was lashed away by strong ocean in Vanua Levu’s Cakaudrove region after saving her two children from a storm surge.
The manager of Fisheries Queensland shark control program Tony Ham said, “Gear that is loose in the water can be very dangerous, especially if someone becomes entangled“. He also added, “Those who choose to swim should do so only at patrolled beaches.” A bull sharks out of rivers, creeks and canals because of the rain.
