The worst cyclone in 20 years has rocked the island of Fiji. Cyclone Tomas did not claim many lives on Monday night but it did cause the evacuation of nearly 18,000 residents. Tomas came across the northern part of Fiji and did cause some major structural damage. Authorities have said that the storm packed wind gusts in excess of 280 kh an hour.

According to authorities, the biggest thing has been is the damage to the water, sewage, and other services. The major airports are shut down and the assessments by the government are set to be done on Tuesday. The government has also said that the 18,000 residents have been placed in about 250 government shelters throughout the country.

New Zealand officials have said that they will step up to the plate as far as coming to the aid of the Fijians. Foreign Minister Murray McCully said an Air Force C-130 is currently on standby to render aid. He said that the plane is set up to deliver emergency aid and will also help in reconnasiance to help in assessing the damage of Cyclone Tomas. ‘According to local accounts, Cylcone Tomas is the worst storm to hit Fiji in nearly 20 years’ McCully said.