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Fiji Devastation: 10 Dead As Cyclone Winston Clean Up Starts

Fiji Devastation: 10 Dead As Cyclone Winston Clean Up Starts
NADUNA, FIJI - MARCH 16 : (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Poles carrying power lines lean precariously along Vaturekuka road in Labasa, Fiji, after Cyclone Tomas struck the Pacific island group. The category four cyclone struck Fiji's eastern Lau group of islands, with winds averaging 175 kilometres an hour. (Photo by Theresa Ralogaivau/Newspix/Getty Images)
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NADUNA, FIJI - MARCH 16 : (EUROPE AND AUSTRALASIA OUT) Poles carrying power lines lean precariously along Vaturekuka road in Labasa, Fiji, after Cyclone Tomas struck the Pacific island group. The category four cyclone struck Fiji's eastern Lau group of islands, with winds averaging 175 kilometres an hour. (Photo by Theresa Ralogaivau/Newspix/Getty Images)

Emergency workers in cyclone ravaged Fiji say they are in a race against time to reach isolated areas of the country, amid fears the death toll will rise.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston hit the island archipelago on Saturday with wind gusts up to 325kmph and the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation said authorities confirmed 10 people had died.

A destroyed Fijian village home in Sanasana. Picture: AP

Fiji's Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said all visitors to Fiji were accounted for.

“We understand that friends and families are very concerned, however, we request everyone to remain calm," Koya said.

"Cyclone Winston has caused extensive damage to the communications infrastructure, hence, mobile and Internet communications in some parts of Fiji maybe affected. However, communication is active in Suva, Nadi, Denarau and along the Coral Coast."

Facebook has also activated its disaster emergency Safety Check function, allowing people to check-in as safe for friends and family at home.

Oxfam in the Pacific Regional Director Raijeli Nicole said the Fijian Government was still trying to reach isolated regions with no phone connection or assistance.

“The Fijians are desperately trying to repair severed lines of communication, but they hold grave fears that the news waiting for them will be dire,” Nicole said in a statement.

“Given the intensity of the storm and the images we have seen so far, there are strong concerns that the death toll won’t stop climbing today and that hundreds of people will have seen their homes and livelihoods completely destroyed.”

CARE Australia advisor Anna Cowley said the search effort was happening without power.

“There is still a complete power blackout across the main island, Viti-Levu, which has stopped water pumps from working,” Cowley said in a statement.

“In this type of emergency, it really is a race against time to get immediate relief to those who have lost everything and ensure families can stay safe and healthy.”

“We hold grave fears for people living in Fiji’s outer islands where communities remain cut off from communication lines."

A Virgin Australia statement said it was due to resume flights from Nadi on Monday while Jetstar was assessing flying conditions.

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