Tropical Cyclone Tomas is on its way out of the Fiji group, leaving the nation to begin relief efforts for those areas affected.

So far, there have been no more reports of any lives lost with reports only of damages to structures.

According to Fijilive, a total of 73 homes have been destroyed in the country's Northern Division and that there is confirmation that there are 'indications of extensive damage to facilities, structures and crops in the north and eastern areas of the Fiji group'.

However, with communication problems with some of the outer lying areas, attempts to get updates have been difficult.

And DISMAC says that the immediate needs there are food, water and tarpaulins for shelter.

"We are getting intermittent reports from the east because of the problem with telecommunication.

"We are unsure of the number of evacuees we have in Lau right now due to communication problems," DISMAC operations officer Anthony Blake said.

According to Blake, power is still out in Vanua Levu and Lomaiviti at this stage.

"Airstrips around the eastern division and terminal buildings have received some damage," he said.

Blake added that the declaration of a State of disaster this morning allows the Commissioners of the northern and eastern divisions to use all Government resources available to them.


Also, according to Fijilive, a French government aircraft from Noumea is expected in the country to take aerial shots of islands affected by Tropical Cyclone Tomas.

DISMAC operations officer Anthony Blake confirmed that "an aircraft from France is being engaged".

"Cikobia and Taveuni will be the first areas to be surveyed as they were the worst hit. They will have to take pictures first for their assessment before any aid can be given," Blake said.


Meanwhile, according to Fiji Times Online, most international flights in and out of Nadi Airport operated as normal yesterday with only domestic flights being on indefinite hold and flights from Nausori Airport were cancelled.

Schools in the Central, Western and Northern divisions have also resumed classes, except for those being used as evacuation centres.