Fears of catastrophic damage as cyclone nears Fiji

Fijian authorities scrambled to evacuate residents from low-lying areas today as a monster cyclone threatened the Pacific nation with “catastrophic damage” after causing widespread devastation in Samoa.

At least four people were killed when Cyclone Evan slammed into Samoa and the toll was expected to rise as a search was launched for eight men still missing on three fishing boats.

Only one survivor has been found, the New Zealand Rescue Co-ordination Centre, which is overseeing the search, said.

After crossing Samoa, Evan intensified as it ploughed through the Pacific and forecasters said destructive winds could reach nearly 300 km per hour by the time it hits Fiji early morning tomorrow.

Government officials fear it could be as devastating as Cyclone Kina which killed 23 people and left thousands homeless in 1993.

Squally thunderstorms were expected to flood low-lying areas while coastal villages were at risk of sea flooding, authorities said.

Tourists in luxury resorts on outlying islands were being ferried to the mainland, while Fiji’s main airline, Air Pacific, said it had either cancelled or rescheduled its flights for tomorrow.

Philip Duncan, head analyst with the WeatherWatch.co.nz meteorological service, said Fiji could expect to be walloped by the storm with the prospect of flash flooding and mudslides.

“Gusts may end up climbing to 280 km per hour or greater around the centre of Evan,” Duncan said.

“Some small, low-lying communities and resorts may suffer catastrophic damage and some small islands may be entirely submerged as the storm and storm surge roll by.”

More than 200 evacuation centres have been opened and Information Ministry permanent secretary Sharon Smith-Johns said people at risk should move.

“People living in low-lying areas should consider moving to higher grounds or evacuations centres,” she said.

“By sunset tonight everyone should be ready with torches, batteries, candles, supplies and other necessities.”

Fiji’s military leader Voreqe Bainimarama has warned the storm is an “impending disaster” and offers of international aid have already been received.

Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr said Canberra was offering financial aid as well as expert personnel and supplies.

“We’re going to work with other nations including New Zealand and France, in doing what we can to save lives, and support search and rescue,” he said.

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