Fiji is being hit hard by Tropical Cyclone Winston

[Pearl Dreams]

http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/20/us/tropical-cyclone-winston-fiji/

"(CNN) The most powerful storm on record in the Southern Hemisphere slammed straight into Fiji late Saturday, delivering the first crushing blows of a pounding that is expected to last for days on the tiny island nation.

"The Joint Typhoon Warning Center estimated Tropical Cyclone Winston's winds reached 184 mph in the hours before it made landfall about 7 p.m. Saturday (2 a.m. ET)...

"The worst of the storm then went back out to sea, but only after wreaking havoc on the tourist hot spot with heavy flooding, rain and damaging winds. It could still end up hitting the South Pacific nation even more over the coming days...."

 

[Pearl Dreams]

It's a category 5 storm.

 

[JerseyPearl]

Just read that the wind gusts were over 200 mph!

 

[amti]

Oh no.... Hoping everyone and everything is safe!

 

[kelluvpearls]

The cyclone was really bad.

 

[Purranha]

Sending good thoughts to everyone everypets everyoysters in Fiji!!!

 

[baby nurse]

It appears to have been a devastating storm. So sad...

 

[GemGeek]

This is so upsetting. My heart goes out to the people of Fiji.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

An article updating the situation, with video and photos:
https://weather.com/news/weather/news/tropical-cyclone-winston-impacts-pacific-fiji

"The roads in Savusavu are in bad condition. Streets have been washed out, and a bus was even washed inland by a wave, according to FBC. The Fiji Times Online reported that the Savusavu jetty was also forced to close after taking damage from Cyclone Winston."

Isn't Savusavu where J Hunter Pearls is located?

 

[pattye]

Tragic and devastating, 10 deaths known so far, much flooding and property damage in the news videos. Communication hasn't been reestablished yet, it seems. Yes, the Hunters home is there, although I don't know how close to the farm(s). We will just have to wait for news. There have been no new posts from Leanne Hunter on FB since her remarks quoted on the other thread, nor anything from Justin on his J Hunter Pearls (FB) page.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Wow, thanks for the link Pattye-- I had not seen her comments. Scary for sure.
I hope the oysters are okay.

 

[pattye]

Seems unlikely they wouldn't sustain some damage, but I'm sure everyone did all they could to minimize. There is a facility for raising spat, too. I wonder if they have generators for power?

 

[BlackPearlDudeDC]

Has there been any updates from our friends in Fiji?
I truly hope people there are safe, regardless of the devastation.

 

[pattye]

From Leanne Hunter on FB today,

We all ok.house held strong. Lots of structural damage around s2 including our work property and parts of the farm. Power on in town today only. Lots of power poles down so be a while for rest of Savusavu including water. Big clean up ahead.

Lots of current news via google. Many relief efforts going on.

 

[baby nurse]

It's a relief to hear that they are ok and their house seems somewhat unscathed-- some solid good news.

 

[Pearl Dreams]

Thank you for the update, Pattye!

 

[CathyKeshi]

Oh, thank heaven the Hunter family is safe ... update much appreciated Pattye. Please convey our prayers and well wishes Pattye.

 

[Cees]

Just got a message from Justin that it is a bit early to tell but it does not look good. Jetty gone, roof from warehouse gone, now they are going to check on the oysters.

 

[CathyKeshi]

Thanks for updates ... the few photos on Facebook look very distressing. If there is any way we can help Justin and family please let us know.

 

[Icyjade]

Thank goodness they are unhurt. Thanks for the update Pattye.