Fijian authorities scrambled to evacuate tourists and residents in low-lying areas yesterday as a monster storm threatened the Pacific nation with "catastrophic damage" after causing devastation in Samoa.
After crossing Samoa, Evan intensified as it ploughed through the Pacific and forecasters said destructive winds could reach nearly 300km/h by the time it hits Fiji early today.
At least four people were killed when Evan slammed into Samoa and the toll was expected to rise with a search launched for eight men missing on three fishing boats.
Only one survivor has been found, said the New Zealand Rescue Co-ordination Centre, which is overseeing the search.
Fijian officials fear it could be as devastating as 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.