Winds estimated at more than 50 knots slammed into Savusavu in Vanua Levu without any warning on April 4, 1973, demolishing homes and schools and scattering small craft.
According to an article published by The Fiji Times the nest day, the winds from Cyclone Juliette caused widespread damage and wrecked at least two pleasure craft when they hit Taveuni later.
Planter Eddie Douglas was recovering in hospital at Waiyevo on Taveuni from head injuries.
He suffered injuries when the winds smashed his launch against the rocky coast of Taveuni while he was trying to rescue another launch owned by his nephew, Keith Douglas.
The Adi Vaturogo, owned by Adrian Tarte of Wainiyaku at the Southern end of the island, was reported missing.
The report stated the high winds whipped up heavy seas in Savusavu Bay and scattered small craft. Witnesses told The Fiji Times that Savusavu waterfront was a mess.
The cyclonic winds left about 20 Savusavu people homeless after smashing their bure at Nacekoro, about one mile from the airport. People were in temporary houses at Yaroi Village.
The district officer then at Savusavu, Tom Cornish, said there were no reports of casualties.
The headteacher of Savusavu Government Primary School, Wilfred Stephens said the cyclone left the school building in a mess.
“It was a frightening experience,” he said. “I was cleaning up after a party when the wind came up. I remarked to a friend that the wind was cool.
“All of a sudden there was a roar like an express train and all hell broke loose without any warning. The winds blew out the school structure and knocked trees down. We were terrified.
“I think the winds were stronger than those experienced during Hurricane Bebe.”
Mr Cornish said fallen coconut trees blocked roads on the West and East coasts of Savusavu and the Public Works Department was working hard to clear the roadblocks so that traffic could go through.
He said about 120 students of Savusavu Junior Secondary School were without classrooms. He said their survey team was assessing the damage.
The district officer in Taveuni, Temo Stuart, said Cyclone Juliette’s winds hit Taveuni at about 5:30am and blew out over the island at about 6:30am.
He said high seas breached the coastal road in at least two places.
