Cyclone Reduces Tuna Boats To Rubbleff

Cyclone Jim is still tracking across New Caledonia and is also affecting Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.

Fiji's Cyclone Warning Centre reports Jim is moving southeast at about 37 kilometers an hour.

It has sustained winds of almost 150 kilometers an hour close to the centre and is located north east of Noumea, New Caledonia.

Computer models predict winds will decrease to around 130 kilometers an hour Tuesday.

So far there are no reports of damage or injuries in New Caledonia.

Lotti Yates from the Honiara National Disaster Management Office says the cyclone has battered the area. “The coastal front across Pacific Casino Hotel was flooded up to the main highway, Kookum Highway. Further east a boat ran aground and fishing boats from a tuna company have been reduced to rubble,” Ms. Yates said.

Jim destroyed a fleet of fishing boats and badly damaged a wharf in Honiara.