HURRICANE IN FIJI

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 February 1931, Page 5

HURRICANE IN FIJI

HEAVY DEATH ROLL.

[BY CALLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYEIGHT.]

SUVA, February 24

The worst hurricane and floods everexperienced in Fiji struck the Ba, Lautoka and Sigatoka districts, during the week-end. The crew of the Government ship arrived here at seven to-night from Lautoka, and reported that 80 were killed at Ba. There were 60 killee at Lautoka and 100 killed at Sigatoßa. The hurricane was within a narrow radius, and it was not felt outside these districts, although the glass and conditions at Suva indicated a cyclone, north-east of Suva. The., meteorologcal conditions have been causing anxiety. It is stated that the Ba-Lautoka train was blown off the rails, with many casualties. A 600-gallon tank was blown a distance of 60ft. The Government officials state that although little information is available they are aware that there has been a serious hurricane, and that many lives have been lost. Coming on top of the serious floods in the Rewa. district near Suva, this means an enormous loss to the colony. It is impossible to verify the deaths yet. The Nadi lighthouse is reported to have gone.

COMMUNICATION CUT OFF.

SYDNEY, February 26

With regard to the severe hurricane at Lautoka, Amalgamated W’ireless Australasia Ltd., advises that in addition to the heavy death roll and great damage to property, they received a report from the Suva radio station that all communication between Suva and the western side of the Island been .severed since February 19, and it is unlikely to be restored for some time. The radio station at Suva is sending an operator with wireless installation, which will bo temporarily installed at Lautoka, to maintain communication with Suva.