Category 5 Cyclone Winston

Fiji to mark Cyclone Winston anniversary

The first anniversary will also commemorate the 44 people who died with a minute's silence.

Reports say people will be invited to share their stories of survival and resilience in the days following the disaster, seen as the worst in living memory.

The National Disaster Management Office says the focus will be on the strengths and lessons learnt.

The government would also give an update on recovery and rehabilitation from the Category 5 cyclone on Monday.

 

Fiji cocoa farms receive recovery assistance

The assistance is being made possible through the Increasing Agriculture Commodity Trade (IACT) project TC Winston Recovery Action; a FJD4.3 million initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC).

 The first recipient, Tomohito Zukoshi, co-founder of Fijiana Cocoa and Adi Chocolate brands, has recently received equipment needed to clear cocoa plantations and improve cocoa productivity.

Tropical Cyclone Winston now over Fiji waters

This means that it has average winds of up to 205 kilometres per hour to 285 kilometres per hour.

The Nadi Weather Office says the eye of the cyclone was located 130 kilometres North-Northeast of Lakeba in the Lau Group at 7am today.

Fijivillage has received confirmation that Cyclone Winston is currently passing over Vanuabalavu.