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A state of disaster has been declared in the northern and eastern parts of the Fiji group, DISMAC officials have just confirmed.
The decision was made soon after a meeting of DISMAC officials in Suva this morning.
The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
The President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau also sat in.
DISMAC operations officer Anthony Blake said it was agreed that there was a serious situation in the north following reports that a total of 50 houses have been damaged.
“These are just preliminary figures and we expect the number to increase,” Blake said.
The destruction is mainly in the eastern most part of the northern division which includes the islands of Cikobia, Naqelelevu and Taveuni.
“Telecommunications there is still down and so is electricity therefore water and sewerage is affected. These islands have had battering of winds within six to eight hours,” Blake said.
“There is also poor communication in Taveuni. Health facilities are down in the north, the police station in Labasa was damaged,” he said.
Relief efforts are currently being discussed and will be carried out as soon as assessments are over.
The state of emergency is effective for 30 days.
