National disaster declared after Tropical Cyclone Winston slams Fiji

Fiji has declared a 30-day state of emergency after being hit over the weekend by Tropical Cyclone Winston, the strongest storm in its history.

Authorities in Fiji confirmed the death of six people during the category-five tropical cyclone, which slammed into the country with wind gusts that hit 325 kilometres per hour and waves of over 12 metres. However, the capital of Suva was spared the full force of the cyclone, with the storm changing direction at the last minute when it made landfall late on Saturday.

With the Fijian Government having declared a national disaster has been declared, thousands of people have had to evacuate storm affected areas. In addition many low lying areas are flooded Flooding while large parts of the country are without power.

With Fiji a popular tourism destination, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has advised Australians “to reconsider their need to travel to Fiji due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Winston”.

New Zealand’s Weatherwatch said the storm was the strongest ever recorded to hit Fiji.

In the aftermath of the storm, Tourism Fiji has advised that much of the country’s tourism infrastructure seems to have been spared but that “due to adverse weather conditions associated with Tropical Cyclone Winston, Fiji Airways and Fiji Link flights will be affected over the next few days.”

Prior to the storm, overseas airlines including Virgin and Jetstar suspended flights.

Encouraging messages and tweets communicated to Tourism Fiji after the storm showed that many resorts were beginning a post storm clean-up, with advice of no damage at First Landing, Matamanoa Island and Bega Lagoon resorts and Raffles Gateway Hotel.

The report from First Landing Resort said “guests/staff are all safe and well. No structural damage to property, just a garden clean-up in progress”.

Captain Cook Cruises’ ships also made it through unscathed. The company reported all ships, island and crew safe. No damage sustained.

Further advice from DFAT stated “Tropical Cyclone Winston has caused significant and widespread damage across Fiji, including to buildings, roads, telecommunications, electricity and water infrastructure. Catastrophic damage has been reported in some areas.

“Tourist infrastructure has also been affected. International commercial flights are expected to recommence on 22nd February. A 30-day nationwide state of emergency has been declared. Flood warnings remain in place in some areas. Australians in Fiji are advised to continue to follow the instructions of local authorities, pay close attention to their personal security at all times and where possible, make contact with relatives and friends in Australia.

The category-five cyclone is now the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded and first category-five storm on record to hit Fiji.

Fiji’s Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, said on Saturday that the island’s evacuation centres were operational, and the government was prepared to deal with a potential crisis, stating “as a nation we are facing an ordeal of the most grievous kind.

“We must stick together as a people and look after each other.”

As of this morning (22nd February), Fiji's Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism,Faiyaz Siddiq Koya assured all friends and families of guests currently visiting Fiji that all visitors are safe and comfortable.

Minister Koya stated that all properties have taken all necessary precautions and actions to ensure that their guests are safe and are taken good care of, stating "furthermore, there are no reports of any significant structural damage to the majority of hotels in Viti Levu, except for some properties in the Rakiraki area.

“We understand that friends and families are very concerned, however, we request everyone to remain calm.

"Cyclone Winston has caused extensive damage to the communications infrastructure, hence, mobile and Internet communications in some parts of Fiji maybe affected."

Click here for more information on the Tourism Fiji website.

Images: Waves from Tropical Cyclone Winston hit the Fijian shore (top) and guests join the clean up at the Shangri-La Resort (below).

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