The New Zealand government Thursday offered an initial 350,000 NZ dollars (285,994 U.S. dollars) to help the Pacific Island nation of Fiji to cope with deadly floods.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said six people had died and more than 1,500 had been evacuated because of floods and bad weather affecting most of the country.

The Western Division, including Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, had been worst hit by flooding and many areas were without power or water, McCully said in a statement.

"New Zealand's funding will be made immediately available to the Fiji Red Cross for the distribution of essential relief items to those in need, followed by other agencies identified as best placed to meet immediate needs," he said.

"Assessments are on-going and New Zealand stands ready to consider additional assistance as further information comes to hand."

New Zealand was coordinating closely with authorities and relief agencies on the ground, as well as with Australia and France under the FRANZ arrangement, under which the three countries coordinate relief operations after natural disasters in the Pacific.

McCully advised New Zealanders in flood affected areas to follow the advice of tourism operators and local authorities, but said that no New Zealanders in need of urgent assistance in Fiji had been reported.

The Fiji Broadcasting Corporation has reported that a couple in the 30s and their two infant daughters were among the dead after they were buried in a landslide.

More torrential rain was reported to be forecast for Fiji over the next week.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)