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Cyclone causes emergency in Fiji Cyclone causes emergency in Fiji
(about 4 hours later)
A state of disaster has been declared in parts of Fiji, as Cyclone Tomas blasts through the north and east of the Pacific island country. A state of emergency has been declared in northern and eastern parts of Fiji, after Cyclone Tomas blasted through the Pacific island nation.
At least 5,000 people have had leave their homes, and 50 properties have so far been destroyed. The National Disaster Council said troops would take food, water and other necessities to worst-hit areas.
Cyclone Tomas, a category four storm, is blowing at up to 170km/h (106 mph). At least 17,000 people fled to evacuation shelters as the storm passed. One death has been reported and communications to some islands are cut.
The eastern Lau group of islands is bearing the brunt of the storm, but the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu have escaped the worst. Cyclone Tomas, a category four storm, is expected to weaken as it moves away.
"The National Disaster Council has declared a state of disaster in the northern division and eastern division," National Disaster Management Office operations officer Anthony Blake said. The eastern Lau group of islands bore the brunt of the storm and the country's second largest island, Vanua Levu, was also hard-hit.
There is particular concern about the islands of Cikobia and Qelelevu; nothing has been heard from them since the cyclone hit there on Monday.There is particular concern about the islands of Cikobia and Qelelevu; nothing has been heard from them since the cyclone hit there on Monday.
Mr Blake added that he expected the number of destroyed homes to increase over the coming days. Reports from northern Fiji say houses and crops have been damaged by wind, and that some buildings were washed away by floods. Sea surges of up to 7m (23ft) were reported in some areas.
Schools have closed, public services have been suspended, and international flights have been cancelled. Across the country schools have closed and public services have been suspended. However international flights have resumed from the main airport in Nadi.
There have been no casualties reported since officials said a woman was swept away in heavy seas as the storm approached. National Disaster Management Office spokesman Anthony Blake said an aerial survey of the damage would be done on Wednesday.
The cyclone was said to be moving slowly, increasing the potential for damage.
Power and telephone lines are down in many parts of the country, and some healthcare buildings have been damaged.
Are you in Fiji? Are you on one of the outer islands and how badly have you been affected? What precautions have you taken against the storm?Are you in Fiji? Are you on one of the outer islands and how badly have you been affected? What precautions have you taken against the storm?
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