WINSTON Devastates Fiji

TC WINSTON, strongest ever storm to hit Fiji, wreaks destruction across the island nation

Authorities in Fiji say the most powerful storm on record to hit the country has killed at least five people, razing  entire villages and destroying hundreds of homes.

TC WINSTON slammed the tiny nation with 330-km winds, torrential rain and tsunami-like waves of up to 15m, according to FIRE-EARTH Models.

The destructive storm prompted the government to impose a nationwide curfew and declare a 30-day state of national disaster, said reports. [The declaration would empower police to arrest people without a warrant.]

Spokesman for Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office told reporters that about 80% of the population were without electricity.

Fiji PM described the storm as “an ordeal of the most grievous kind.”