SUVA, Dec 29 (NNN-XINHUA) – One person died, while nearly 2,000 others take refuge in over 50 evacuation centres, as the category-two tropical cyclone Sarai, continues to sweep Fiji with heavy rain and wind.
According to a government press release last night, the Fiji National Disaster Management Office confirmed that an 18-year-old student drowned on Saturday afternoon, after being swept away by strong currents, while swimming in waters on the southern island of Kadavu, 200 km south of the Fijian capital of Suva.
Currently, 56 evacuation centres are now in operation across the island nation, with 1,969 evacuees.
In most parts affected by the cyclone, fallen trees, landslides and damaged roads were reported, while most parts of Fiji, including the main island of Viti Levu, also reported no power.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Meteorological Office said, Sarai is maintaining its strength and speed, as it continues to batter Fiji with storm force winds gusting up to 150 km per hour and torrential rain.
Sarai forced Fiji Airways and the country’s shipping services suspended on Friday and Saturday. Fiji Airways decided to resume most of its services from today (Sunday).
Sarai is expected to leave Fiji by New Year’s Day, moving on to Tonga next Wednesday.
The peak period for cyclone is usually from Jan to Mar.
In 2016, Fiji was hit by tropical cyclone Winston, which killed 44 people and caused extensive damage to the country.– NNN-XINHUA