Cyclone Winston’s death toll continued to climb last night.
An informed source said eight more people died on Koro Island and there were also deaths in Wainibuka, Tailevu, in the monster storm.
This is in addition to the 21 confirmed deaths announced at the National Disaster Management Office briefing yesterday.
It is understood that Government officials are trying to obtain the names before they can make the official announcement of the new deaths.
Koro Island was one the worst battered islands pummelled by this monster storm. A baby is also missing, according to the informed source.
Winston also took in Wainibuka in its path of destruction before moving into adjacent Ra.
Villages in Ra were completely devastated. Uncleared debris from the raging storm made parts of Ra still inaccessible yesterday. At least 10 people were killed in Ra.
Details of the additional Koro deaths are not known because of continuing communication problems. It is believed that some burial services have been conducted because there was no operating morgue.
Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Meleti Bainimarama said last night hehad not been briefed about the additional deaths.
Last night military and Government personnel left Walu Bay, Suva, in a ship, on their way to Koro to help clear wreckage, build shelters and distribute relief rations
A naval ship is about to leave for Waya from Lautoka with rations after communication was restored with the Yasawas
The Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft Orion will do another aerial survey today on Vanubalavu, Lau, believed to have been hit hard like Koro. Last night Government officials were shown more aerial shots of destruction in Lomaiviti, and the Ra coast
More help from New Zealand arrived last night. A P3K Orion aircraft brought Kiwis to carry out assessment. A C1-30 Hercules flew relief supplies that included tarpaulins, generators, water containers, chainsaws and safety gear.
Island schools will be closed for weeks because of the extent of damage.
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