Cyclone Tomas claims second victim

Fiji eyes cyclone damage

CYCLONE DAMAGE: Cyclone Tomas has claimed a second life in Fiji.

RNZAF

CYCLONE TOMAS: RNZAF Hercules has found more damage in Fiji following this week's Pacific storm.

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A man has been found dead in a river on Fiji's second-largest island, becoming the second victim of Cyclone Tomas.

The man was attempting to cross a river outside Labasa, on Vanua Levu, when he was pulled under by rapid currents on Saturday, March 13, according to police reports.

His body was recovered on Thursday, the Fiji Times reported.

The category four cyclone claimed the other life on Sunday when a woman drowned as huge waves crashed into the Vanua Levu coast.

Disaster management officials told the Fiji Times it was "highly unlikely" more deaths would be reported.

A RNZAF Hercules has reported aerial sightings of more damage in Fiji following this week's Cyclone Tomas.

RNZAF Squadron Leader Kavae Tamariki said their Hercules flew over Taveuni and saw much more damage.

"Fijian ground assessment teams are moving to or are at the outer islands. Their assessments in conjunction with the aerial images will provide the Fijian Government with a clearer picture of the extent of the damage."

A state of natural disaster was declared in the South Pacific nation on Tuesday, after winds peaking at 200km/h and massive storm surges flattened buildings, uprooted trees and forced the evacuation of 17,000 people.

- AAP