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                    Powerful Cyclone Makes Landfall in Fiji

   by VOA News

   Fiji's government has declared a nationwide curfew as a powerful
   cyclone bears down on the Pacific island nation of 900,000.

   With the center of Cyclone Winston yet to hit the two main islands,
   Fiji is already being struck with winds of 220 kph, and gusts
   surpassing 300 kph.

   International flights have been canceled and hundreds of evacuation
   centers have been set up.

   Fiji Prime Minister Vorege Bainimarama told Fijians, "As a nation, we
   are facing an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We must stick together
   as a people and look after each other. Be alert and be prepared."

   ''Fiji's meteorological service warned residents in the nation's east
   to "expect very destructive hurricane-force winds."

   Weather service spokesman Neville Koop said, "The potential for
   devastation is high and there is a very real risk that people will lose
   their lives."

   The United Nations humanitarian agency UNOCHA said Winston will likely
   bring "destructive winds, heavy rains, dangerous storm surge and a high
   risk of both flash and river flooding."
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/cyclone-winston-makes-landfall-in-fiji/3199433.html