Fiji’s strong Cyclone Winston results in heavy destruction, kills five

Fijinas have been asked to remian indoors in the wake of heavy destruction caused late Sunday by tropical cyclone Winston, which packed winds of 230 kph that gusted up to 325 kph. 

Several hours of harsh winds and torrential rains tore up homes and cut power, water and communications links across the nation of about 900,000 people, but the capital, Suva, escaped the brunt, after a last minute change in direction of the storm. 

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed the death toll, saying officials were working urgently to “assess and address the damage in our maritime regions”.

Past cyclones had not caused so much damage, said businessman Jay Dayal, who lives near Rakiraki, on the north coast of Fiji’s main island, where the cyclone hit land. A strange land: “I wouldn’t be surprised if people are now starting to go without food,” Dayal told Reuters. 

“It looks like a different country; it doesn’t look like Fiji.” Police and armed forces have fanned out for rescue efforts amid concerns of flash flooding and mudslides, despite being hampered by trees and power lines blocking roads. 

Fiji has declared a 30-day state of emergency, with schools ordered to shut. A nationwide curfew will continue until today, with electricity supply to some areas deliberately cut, to avert further damage or injury, officials said.