Fiji's main centres were put under curfew overnight as the South Pacific nation braced for a powerful cyclone expected to pass over the north and east of the country. This was disclosed by the officials in Suva today.Cyclone Tomas was located about 185 kilometres (115 miles) northeast of the town of Labasa on the northern island of Vanua Levu at 7:00 am (1800 Sunday GMT). There were reports of power cuts on Vanua Levu and damage to houses on outlying islands as the cyclone approached.The Fiji Meteorological Service said the category four cyclone, the second most powerful on a five point scale, was estimated to have average winds of 170 kilometers an hour, and was expected to intensify to 205 kilometers an hour over the next 12 to 24 hours. The cyclone was moving south at 11 kilometers an hour and was expected to be centered about 60 kilometers east of Labasa by evening.
News On AIR | March 16, 2010 10:06 AM
Speculation of powerful cyclone forced Fiji under curfew