Cyclone stikes Fiji, killing two, cutting power, water

A powerful cyclone pounded Fiji, killing two electricity workers, causing widespread damage and cutting power and water to the country’s main islands before moving out to sea Tuesday, officials said.

Hundreds of people were moved to government shelters and schools as they fled damaged houses and flooding caused by driving rain and winds gusting to 140 kph (88 mph) overnight Monday, emergency services said.

Two linesmen were killed when they were hit by falling high-capacity live power lines near the western town of Lautoka, the Fiji Electricity Authority said in a statement. Tropical Cyclone Gene cut power late Monday to the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu as it toppled electricity supply lines, the authority said.

“The power is cut all over Fiji ... and all schools and civil service offices are closed until power and water are restored,” spokesman Aisea Quminakelo told The Associated Press.

Fiji’s Disaster Management Office reported widespread damage to properties in western Viti Levu, where hundreds of houses lost their roofs.

Suva, Tuesday, AP