16 Mar 2010

Cyclone Ului still pummelling Solomons

9:52 pm on 16 March 2010

The Category 4 cyclone battering Solomon Islands is moving only slowly over the southern part of the country but is maintaining its strength.

Transport services have been largely brought to a halt by the destructive conditions of Cyclone Ului, which is moving in a west south-west direction at about four knots.

Reports emerging from the country show the province of Rennel and Bellona has been the worst hit so far, with at least 10 houses destroyed and crops severely damaged

Forecasters said late on Tuesday Ului would continue to batter Solomons Islands for another two days, and passenger ferries and airlines have reduced their services.

Strong winds continue to batter other parts of the country, although communications with outer islands remains poor.