Cyclone Tomas in Fiji

Emergency morgues set up in Fiji (Source: ONE News)

Residents in southern Fiji are stocking up on groceries and boarding up their homes in preparation for the brunt of Cyclone Tomas, as reports come through of a death.

A woman drowned after battling to save others in massive waves pounding a beach off Fiji's Vanua Levu.

Fiji's Disaster Management Centre has confirmed it is setting up emergency morgues around the country as they prepare to be battered by the cyclone. There have been unconfirmed reports of fatalities and injuries.

The cyclone has been upgraded to a category four storm with 170kmh winds expected.

It has already destroyed homes and caused significant damage to water and power supplies in parts of northern Fiji. Swells of eight metres have also been reported.

http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/emergency-morgues-set-up-in-fiji-3415426