March 19, 2010

Sources: HCJB Global, Mission Network News (written by John Adams)

Tomas and Ului were uninvited guests as these twin cyclones affected HCJB Global's partners in the South Pacific nations of Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tonga on March 13-15.

Fiji's northern and eastern islands suffered the brunt of Cyclone Tomas' visit. With flooding the major concern in that island chain, Gud Nuis Redio, an HCJB Global partner in the Solomon Islands, left the air due to an apparently damaged antenna.

Douglas Rose of Fiji Radio Light thanked the Lord for His protection and mercies while knee-deep in water at his home due to tidal surges. Willy Florian, the station manager in Tonga, reported "some studio damage."

The cyclones packed more winds than Hurricane Katrina that devastated New Orleans in 2005. Cyclone Tomas left widespread destruction throughout the South Pacific island chain. The category 4 storm battered Fiji's northern islands for parts of three days with gusts up to 170 mph.

Authorities have confirmed the death of one person in Fiji who was swept out to sea while rescuing family members. Communications on the island nation remain out in many areas.

The latest storms struck just three months after another significant cyclone struck Fiji in December. Local partners are requesting prayers for the recovery of these stations and countries.