The death toll from category five Cyclone Winston that swept through Fiji has risen to at least 10.
The city of Suva in Fiji is recovering after the Category 5 cyclone. Picture: Geoffrey Smith
ONE of the most powerful storms on Earth slammed into Fiji on the weekend, wiping entire villages off the map and leaving at least 10 people dead.
Winds from Cyclone Winston hit the Pacific Island country at up to 325km/h, along with waves up to 12m high, making it the strongest storm in the Southern Hemisphere since record-keeping began.
Communication was cut across much of the country of about 900,000 people, with hundreds of locals taking shelter in evacuation centres after losing their homes.
Tourism Minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said all tourists in Fiji were safe and that most hotels on the main island escaped significant damage.
“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,” Mr Koya said.
As the storm hit, footage showed tourists taking shelter for the night in hotel ballrooms as water flooded into the lobbies.
The trail of devastation in Fiji.Source:The Australian
WHAT FLIGHTS ARE OPERATING?
Fiji is a popular holidayspot, attracting more than 350,000 Australians each year. It’s estimated that more than 1300 Aussies remain stranded, with flights cancelled over the weekend.
Following the reopening of Nadi Airport today, Virgin Australia says all of its services in and out of Fiji will operate as scheduled.
However, Qantas flights are operated under a codeshare with Fiji Airways, with some services between Australia and Nadi going ahead with significant delays.
“Most Fiji Airways and Fiji Link services for today remain cancelled, with the exception of a few services departing their overseas destinations tonight and arriving in Nadi tomorrow morning,” Fiji Airways said in a statement.
“Due to limitations and challenges faced by our catering suppliers as a result of Tropical Cyclone Winston, some services out of Nadi on Monday may operate without the standard catering specifications.”
Qelekuro Village in Dawasamu, Tailevu. Picture: Solomone RabuluSource:Supplied
Jetstar has also cancelled some flights to Nadi today, with the airline issuing this statement: “Our senior pilots and operations experts are continuing to assess flying conditions, including aviation facilities and systems, following Tropical Cyclone Winston in Fiji.”
It will provide an update later today regarding tomorrow’s services.
In the meantime, some frustrated travellers took to Twitter seeking information from airlines after failed attempts to rebook their cancelled flights.
Trying to get out of Fiji with a 1 year old baby,flights are going but can't get a seat @Qantas @FijiAirways
— Matthew Jones (@matthewjonespga) February 21, 2016
Other stranded travellers claim they were stung by exorbitant fees at hotels while waiting to get out of Fiji.
Hotel in Fiji charging stranded tourists $1000 a night #extortion #CycloneWinston #Fiji http://pic.twitter.com/RxylSTnz1q
— Paul and Angela (@Paul_and_Angela) February 21, 2016
WHAT ABOUT THE RESORTS?
Tourism Fiji has been posting updates regarding local resorts on their Twitter page; some were heavily hit but others escaped relatively unscathed.
Tau Naigani Resort located on Naigani Island was one of unlucky resorts, taking to Facebook to post this update: “To all our valued guests, TC Winston struck Naigani Resort last night and has caused extensive damage to many of the buildings and the grounds.
“Fortunately no lives were lost, and all guests had been safely evacuated well before the cyclone entered the Fiji Group. With the limited communications, closed roads and continued bad weather and rough seas in the Lomaiviti Group, we are unable to fully assess the extent of the damage and determine the next steps for repairing the Resort. Therefore we are advising that the Resort will be closed for sometime.”
Other hotels such as Toberua Island Resort escaped relatively unscathed but now have a massive clean-up effort ahead of them.
“Toberua Island Resort wishes to thank you for your kind messages of support during Tropical Cyclone Winston. We are all safe and our guests were safely evacuated to Suva yesterday morning.
“The resort will remain closed while we begin a big clean up, but we hope to be able to welcome guests back on Tuesday 23rd February.”
Guests helping clean-up at Shangri-La Fijian Resort. WiFi down at resort. #TCWinston I/G @hissycatkrissy http://pic.twitter.com/HinQSymSme
— Tourism Fiji (@TourismFiji) February 21, 2016
"Letting the our friends know we are all safe & well at @uprisingfiji Vinaka for all your well wishes" #TCWinston http://pic.twitter.com/KfWegNxyXm
— Tourism Fiji (@TourismFiji) February 21, 2016
Tourism Fiji also urged positivity during this difficut time.
We may lose crops. We may sustain damage, BUT we'll never lose our heart & happiness. #TCWinston IG/@medusathehomie http://pic.twitter.com/eeaB7YbfhC
— Tourism Fiji (@TourismFiji) February 21, 2016
‘TOTAL DEVASTATION’
Devastating images have been posted on the Fijian Government’s Facebook page showing entire communities destroyed. They were taken in Koro, Lau, Taveuni and Rabi.
The true destruction caused by Cyclone Winston.Source:Supplied
In a televised address to the nation yesterday, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said many people had been left without power, fresh water or communications.
“The damage has been widespread, homes have been destroyed, many low-lying areas have flooded, and many people have been left stunned and confused about what to do,” he said.
He said that the police and military had been brought in to help with rescue operations and the general clean-up, and that government agencies were working overtime to clear roads and restore power.
“This is a time of sorrow, but it will also be a time of action,” Mr Bainimarama said. “We will stand united in the face of this disaster.” Officials were trying to establish communications and road access to the hardest-hit areas, and said they would not know the full extent of the damage and injuries until then.
The city of Suva in Fiji is recovering after the Category 5 cyclone. Picture: Geoffrey SmithSource:Twitter
AUSTRALIANS URGED NOT TO TRAVEL TO FIJI
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is advising travellers to reconsider their need to travel to Fiji.
It advises: “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.”
Those in need of consular assistance should call the 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305.
— With wires.
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