Thousands of people fled to evacuation centres in Fiji on Monday as authorities warned to “prepare for the worst” from a powerful category four cyclone bearing down on the Pacific nation.
Power outages and flooding were reported on the main island of Viti Levu as Tropical Cyclone Evan approached, with all flights to and from Fiji cancelled as a precaution.
At least four people were killed when the cyclone slammed into neighbouring Samoa late last week and the Fiji government said it was taking no chances, shifting tourists and residents from low-lying areas.
“Members of the public are advised to prepare for the worst,” spokeswoman Sharon Smith-Johns said, adding that 3,500 people were sheltering in evacuation centres and the number was expected to increase.
Officials said storm warnings were in effect for the entire nation and all non-essential public servants had been told to stay at home but there were no reports of injuries or deaths.
They said the category four cyclone was about 85 kilometres off Nadi, site of the main international airport, and could intensify as it approaches the coast, packing winds of 270 kilometres per hour.