In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Winston, the Fijian government has released official images of the damage left behind on the country's maritime islands.
The tropical cyclone -- which tore across Fiji on February 20 and 21 -- was the strongest of its kind on record in the southern hemisphere. It had estimated sustained winds of 185 miles per hour when it made landfall, making it one of the strongest tropical cyclones (a term that includes typhoons and hurricanes) ever to make landfall anywhere in the world.
Photos from @FijiRepublic show snapped, debarked trees. Demolished structures. Cat 5 damage. https://t.co/TCssitwkIP pic.twitter.com/KU7ZNxdoyG— Anthony Sagliani (@anthonywx) February 21, 2016
The Fijian government issued photos of the devastation in Lau, Koro, Rabi, Taveuni and certain areas of the Northern and Eastern Divisions on its official Facebook page, though the information surrounding the location in each photo is incomplete. The post also shared contact information for emergency operation centers across the country.
"The devastation of the damage to homes etc is enormous and a relief team that comprises of military personnel, health, rehab personnel are now on standby to provide relief support," the post reads. "The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has called on all Government agencies and personnel to prioritise the deployment of personnel to these communities to provide relief support and assistance. He has advised all agencies in charge of relief efforts to ensure that all possible options are looked at to ensure that an immediate response is provided."
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