On 20 and 21 February Category 5 Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston cut a path of destruction across Fiji’s islands blowing off roofs, bringing down trees and powerlines, and flooding rivers.
At its peak, the Cyclone was estimated by the Fiji Met Service to have sustained winds of 230kmph, gusting to 325 kmph making it one of the most severe cyclones ever to hit the South Pacific.
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is coordinating the response and has activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). The Fiji Government declared a 30 day State of Natural Disaster.
Power, water and communications have been interrupted in affected areas. Schools are closed for one week.
Six people reported dead by the Government, thus far
150 houses destroyed in Eastern Division, according to preliminary reports. Another 60 are damaged.
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UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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