Fiji declared a state of emergency and curfews after severe storms and flooding on the Pacific island country killed eight people and forcedthousands to evacuate homes.
The floodwaters hit over the weekend along the west coast of Fiji's main island of Viti Levu and although they were receding today, some areas remained inaccessible.
Weather officials warned the South Pacific nation that another low depression, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, was heading toward the Fiji island group.
"Widespread flooding, including severe flooding of major rivers and streams, is expected on Wednesday and Thursday," director of meteorology Rajendra Prasad said in a weather briefing.
Interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama, who declared a state of emergency at the weekend, said the government was doing all it could to help people affected by the worst deluge to hit the islands in a decade.
Under the state of emergency, curfews were imposed in Ba, Nadi and Sigatoka towns. "It is basically to safeguard lives and property. We want to prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of the flood hit areas," minister of defence and national security Ratu Epeli said.
Rescue teams plucked people to safety from rooftops as floodwaters, up to three metres deep, struck some areas.
A total of 6,060 people have sought refuge at 114 evacuation centers, said the National Disaster Management Office..
Reuters