A powerful cyclone has hit Fiji creating fears of mass evacuations.

The cyclone, named Tomas, has already damaged homes and crops over Fiji's northern islands.

According to Fiji's Disaster Management Authority,
many of the people living in the path of Tomas will have to be evacuated.

There have been no early reports of casualties,
but cyclone shelters have been filled with people.

The cyclonic winds are believed to be blowing at 175 kilometres per hour.

The cyclone is expected to intensify with average wind speeds rising to 200-270 kilometres per hour.

Communications have been lost on some smaller islands due to the disruption caused by the cyclone.

There have been reports of damage to homes, other buildings and crops.