‘Cyclone Thomas’ Hits South Pacific Island Nation

The South Pacific island nation of Fiji has suffered overwhelming damage from a powerful cyclone that battered its shores for more than three days, the prime minister said Wednesday as relief operations were launched in the country's northern regions, reports AP.

Fiji sent naval patrol boats laden with supplies and support staff sailing for the northern islands that bore the full brunt of the storm, while Australian and New Zealand air force planes began airlifting emergency supplies to the island group.

Only one death has been reported, but the full extent of the damage has yet to be determined because communications to the hardest hit areas were cut off for days.

A nationwide curfew was lifted Wednesday, but a state of emergency will remain in effect for 30 days in the country's northern and eastern divisions.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Fiji's prime minister and military chief, has appealed for international assistance and on Wednesday Hercules cargo planes from Australia and New Zealand flew to Fiji with relief supplies, including tarpaulins, food and water treatment tablets.