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Disaster declared in cyclone-hit Fiji

There is significant damage to schools and hospitals and dozens of homes have been destroyed. - ABC

A state of disaster has been declared for parts of the north-east of Fiji in the wake of Cyclone Tomas.

The cyclone is still lashing parts of Fiji's south and is not expected to leave the islands until tomorrow morning.

On Fiji's second largest island Vanua Levu, there is significant damage to schools and hospitals and dozens of homes have been destroyed.

A Fijian woman drowned when she attempted to rescue two children swept out to sea.

Anthony Blake from Fiji's National Disaster Management Office says he is yet to get a complete picture of the damage.

"They've lost some communication out to the northern division as well as the eastern division," he said.

The military is preparing to deliver relief supplies to those in need.

- ABC

© ABC 2010

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