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2nd LD Writethru: State of natural disaster declared in Fiji over tropical cyclone Winston

Xinhua, February 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

Fiji declared a state of natural disaster on Saturday as severe tropical cyclone Winston hit the South Pacific island country, the government-owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) said.

The declaration is effective for a period of 30 days starting from Saturday, said Meleti Bainimarama, permanent secretary for rural and maritime development and national disaster management.

"As your national disaster and controller who will be responsible for this operations and together with the Disaster Management Committee (DISMAC) machinery and resources of the government, we will do our best to maintain and uphold your interest and the interest of Fiji," Bainimarama said, according to the FBC.

Meanwhile, a nationwide curfew was imposed from 6 p.m. local time until further notice.

Although no immediate casualties or damage were reported, local police kept monitoring the situation closely.

Power supplies to parts of Fiji including the capital of Suva had been cut as Winston, now a category 5 tropical cyclone - the highest possible level - swept through the Pacific island country. Endit