Storm damage - Update

A wave of thunderstorms hit the Fiji islands on 11 January 2009, knocking out power and causing extensive flooding. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama declared a state of emergency for the whole country in response to the severe weather. Reports indicate that thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes after a number of rivers burst their banks and inundated low lying areas with floodwaters. Emergency management officials stated that at least six people have been confirmed killed in the flooding. Residents have been warned to evacuate from areas prone to flooding and landslides. Police officers have reportedly imposed a curfew in Nadi, Ba and Sigatoka to prevent people from looting in the aftermath of the storms. Meteorologists warned that further wind and rain are expected to sweep over the islands in the next few days.