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Fiji

Fiji: Communications still down in North, Roads open

Communication reception in the northern division is still being assessed by the National Disaster Management Centre.

The situation report released by DISMAC this morning stated that the tower/shelter on Devo Peak had been blown away and reception was not working.

The transmission on Delaikoro was also damaged and a team from Telecom Fiji (TFL) departed on board a naval boat last night (Wednesday 17th March) and a helicopter will also be hired to transport equipment.

The Waiyevo exchange was also disrupted. The exchange normally serves Qamea, Buca, Rabi Vuna, Qeleni, and parts of Cakaudrove.

Apart from these areas, communication in the rest of the Fiji group is normal.

Meanwhile, all inter-island shipping services remain suspended until clearance is given.

As for the relief and assessment teams, three naval boats left yesterday (Wednesday 17th March) for the northern, Lomaiviti and Lau groups.

Roads open

Roads around the country that were closed due to the Cyclone Tomas have now been opened according to the National Disaster Management Centre.

The only ones that are yet to open are the Nayarabale and the road in Nasaqalau.

In it situation report on Thursday morning, it was noted that the roads in the Central and Western Division including roads in the Northern Division were now open to traffic.

DISMAC says the road that is closed in Nasaqalau is due to the washing away of the Nasaqalau Bridge.

Meanwhile, airports around the country remain closed with only the Nadi International airport open to flights.

DISMAC says all domestic flights remain suspended until further notice.

It has also been confirmed that the Savusavu and Taveuni Airport are still closed and all other domestic flights are suspended until given further advised.