Thousands flee from floods as cyclone hits Solomon Islands

Wind gusts had strengthened to more than 231 kilometers per hour (144 miles per hour, 125 knots) as Freda developed into a powerful category four storm, said Sajay Prakesh at the Nadi Tropical Cyclone Centre in Fiji.

“These winds are very destructive and can cause huge damage to infrastructure and buildings,” he told AFP.

Freda is expected to reach New Caledonia on New Year's Day and “given its current form if it hits New Caledonia Freda will cause huge damage, as it will blow strong winds and heavy rain for six to seven hours.”

As the cyclone moved across the Solomons it lashed the South Pacific archipelago, whipping roofs off houses, flattening trees and forcing people to flee rising rivers.

Thousands of people from riverside villages had moved to the safety of higher ground, National Disaster Management Office director Loti Yates said.

“But there have been no reports of injury,” he said.

Fishing boats and other craft were advised not to put out to sea and local flights were cancelled as the cyclone moved across the Solomons on a path towards New Caledonia.

SHARE CLOSE
Blogger		Google+
Live Journal		Plurk
Stumble Upon

Tweet

	PREVIOUS ARTICLE
	American Kikkan Randall wins Tour de Ski prologue

NEXT ARTICLE
Family of gang rape victim light funeral pyre

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email

Submit