Poorly organized Cyclone Hettie swirled over open waters well from the shores of each country, creating a hazard to only shipping, fishing and recreational vessels in the area.

The cyclone attained tropical storm strength for only a few hours before gradually dissipating over cooler waters to the south.

Emergency planners and flood victims in Fiji breathed a sigh of relief as rainfall from the storm stayed well to the south of their country.

Nearly a week of torrential rainstorms during the first half of January unleashed catastrophic flooding that became the worst natural disaster in the country's history.

Many of the 9,000 victims forced from their homes and businesses two weeks ago have just begun to rebuild their lives.

Cyclone Hettie Track

Satellite Loop Data: CIMSS