Five killed in Fiji supercyclone

Humanitarian agencies warn about potential health crisis

Downed power lines and flooding are hampering relief efforts in Fiji after one of the most powerful storms recorded in the southern hemisphere tore through the Pacific island nation, flattening remote villages and killing at least five people.

Harsh winds and torrential rains tore up homes and cut power, water and communications links across the nation of about 9,00,000 people, although Suva, the capital, escaped the brunt after the storm changed direction at the last minute.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama confirmed the death toll and declared a 30-day state of emergency, with schools ordered to shut and a nationwide curfew extended until Monday morning.

“When we are able we will provide timelines for the return of water and power,” he said, adding that electricity supply to some areas had been deliberately cut to avert further damage.

The archipelago of about 300 islands hit late on Saturday by tropical cyclone Winston, which packed winds of 230 kph that gusted up to 325 kph.

Businessman Jay Dayal, who lives near Rakiraki, on the north coast of Fiji’s main island where the cyclone hit land, said the storm damage was extensive. “I wouldn’t be surprised if people are now starting to go without food,” Mr Dayal said. “It looks like a different country, it doesn’t look like Fiji.”

Humanitarian agencies warned Fiji may be facing a potential health crisis, mainly due to the lack of electricity. Low-lying riv-er areas where hundreds of people live in tin sheds are also particularly vulnerable, aid workers said.

“We need electricity to ensure pumps are working and for sterilisation,” Raijeli Nicole, an official of aid agency Oxfam, said, adding that flights have been scheduled on Sunday to assess damage in remote areas.

An elderly man died on Koro Island when a roof fell on him, authorities said. In a nearby village, 50 homes were reported to have been destroyed.