A state of emergency has been declared in Fiji, after category 4 Tropical Cyclone Tomas beat a path of destruction through the country's northern and eastern islands.

At least several homes were believed to be damaged, but authorities have had difficulty in determining the extent of the destruction.

Military and navy personnel are expected to be deployed soon to help distribute food and basic supplies.

More than 10 thousand people are taking refuge in shelters like this around the country.

The cyclone, which meteorologists said reached average winds of 175 kilometers an hour with momentary gusts of up to 230 kph, was not expected to hit the capital.