29 people killed by cyclone in Fiji

The cyclone that hit Fiji at the weekend has killed some 29 people already, according to officials. Rescue workers have warned that the death toll could rise significantly as some of the worst-hit areas were still to be reached.

With some 8,500 people being sheltered in evacuation centres, authorities are also warning that the clear-up could potentially take months, according to international reports.

Cyclone Winston, described by local broadcasting corporations as the worst to ever hit the country, was classified as a category five storm, bringing winds of over 320km/h, as well as torrential rain and waves towering to a staggering height of 12m.

The BBC reports that the worst hit areas were parts of the main Viti Levu island and Koro islands, with government spokespersons saying that the houses of around 2,000 families on the latter island had been “flattened”.

The paper reports that eight bodies were found on the island on Monday.

According to reports, the New Zealand Air Force has helped Fijian rescuers carry out aerial inspections across almost all the islands.

The BBC reports officials saying that the priority now is to provide water and shelter to Fijians as they begin rebuilding their homes, but many parts of the country will remain without power for some time.

Officials are also reported saying that the destruction could have been far worse had the storm not changed direction from the capital Suva, at the last minute.

According to reports, a state of emergency has been declared, and schools have shut for a week, but the main airport has reopened to receive humanitarian supplies and allow tourists to leave.