Fiji has declared a state of disaster

Fiji has declared a state of disaster in the north and east after the cyclone hit the island Tomas, forcing thousands to seek emergency shelter. The category four storm has winds of up to 175kph and has left a trail of damage across the country. The state of emergency was declared after the disaster of the National Council, led by Frank Bainimarama, the country's leader, met Tuesday to assess reports of the destruction. Up to 17,000 people have sought refuge in temporary shelters. The main island of Viti Levu, has been spared the worst of the devastation, but no reports of damage of Vanua Levu, the second largest island and east of the outer islands, officials said. "National Disaster Council has declared a state of disaster in the Northeast Division and Eastern Division" Anthony Blake, National Disaster Management Office activities before the official release. "We have to date is a number of over 50 houses destroyed - a very serious matter. We expect these numbers to increase over the next few days." Cut The magnitude of the devastation remains unclear as communications with many small islands and remote areas in Vanua Levu have been cut by the storm. The authorities expressed their concern about the status of the northern islands of Cikobia and Qelelevu, cut, and who have been affected by the hurricane Monday. Telecommunications and electricity remain in many parts of Vanua Levu, water and sewer were also affected. Fiji Meteorological Service has classified the storm as a category four storm, the second note the most destructive on a scale of five points. In December, Mick cyclone hit Fiji, killing at least three people, causing flooding, damaging homes and forcing thousands to flee to shelters.