Fiji Braces for Flooding

Tropical Cyclone Evans bears down

Fiji, an island chain in the South Pacific, is preparing for floods after tropical cyclone Evan destroyed homes, cut power and left thousands sheltering in evacuation centers.

Flood warnings were issued this morning for rivers and low- lying areas, according to the Fiji Meteorological Service website. While the category 3 cyclone was now moving south, about 210 kilometers (130 miles) from the capital Suva at 7:23 a.m. local time, high winds were still expected.

Winds yesterday reached 200 kilometers an hour, sending houses and trees flying as people sought cover in evacuation centers, New Zealand website stuff.co.nz reported. While there was widespread damage to infrastructure and property, there were no reported deaths or injuries, according to the site.