HURRICANE IN FIJI

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28480, 9 January 1958, Page 13

HURRICANE IN FIJI

Heavy Damage In Eastern Islands (N.Z. Preu Association—C'OPvnoHtl SUVA, January 7. A hurricane passed southwards through eastern Fiji last night wrecking houses and destroying crops. Suva was not affected. As the hurricane continues its southward path through the Lau Islands In eastern Fiji the “all danger passed” signal has been given for Suva, Taveuni and the islands of Northern Lau.

Reports reaching Suva by radio tell of widespread devastation in Northern Lau, with Fijian houses blown down, coconut trees uprooted or denuded of leaves and fruit trees and food crops destroyed. Eastern Vanua. Levu and Taveuni seem to have escaped the worst of the hurricane although damage is nevertheless considerable and copra poduction is likely to be seriously affected. Fijian radio operators at remote stations have done a fine job. Batteries and the engine charger were under water at Lomaloma so the operator carried the gear uphill to the district officer's house, where he set up temporary aerials and continued transmitting weather reports.