The first boat carrying relief supplies for the affected residents in the North arrived in Labasa at 1:30 this afternoon.
Commissioner Northern, Colonel Inia Seruiratu confirmed in the last hour that the first batch of supplies is bound for Cikobia.
Meanwhile, only those homes built to withstand cyclones through government assistance are left standing on the island of Cikobia, which had to withstand hurricane force winds for upto 12 hours during Cyclone Tomas.
Acting Director DISMAC Pajiliai Dobui said due to past cyclones many homes on the island were rebuilt and cyclone certified and only some homes which were not have been destroyed by Tomas.
Dobui said arrangements are also being made now to set up temporary tents to cater for evacuees who are occupying schools in the Eastern division during the day to allow schools to hold classes during the day.
He said those in need of shelter can occupy the schools during the night and move to the tents in the day.
This afternoon, DISMAC official Anthony Blake confirmed that only 7 evacuation centre is still open in the Northern and Eastern Division.
Blake also confirmed that they have received reports of damages homes and schools and at this stage around 46 homes have been destroyed in Lau and two schools in the Northern division.
It was confirmed earlier that around 76 homes were destroyed in the Northern division.
