Floods Damage Fiji; Travelers Evacuated

Sky News is reporting that the Australian government has said tourists stranded in flood-hit Fiji will be flown home, as a cyclone threatens to hit.

A state of emergency was declared in the South Pacific island nation on Sunday as flash floods killed at least four people with an estimated 8,000 seeking shelter in evacuation centers.

A weather system heading towards the main island of Viti Levu is likely to turn into a tropical cyclone in the next 12 to 24 hours, according to the Fiji Meteorological Service, with more damaging winds, heavy rain expected and the possibility of more severe flooding.

Local authorities suspended inbound flights to Nadi International Airport on Sunday because nearby roads were flooded. The suspension was lifted on Monday but remains subject to review.

According to Air New Zealand's website, the airline's first return service (NZ6010 and NZ6801) has been able to operate into and out of Nadi on a Boeing 747-400.

Subject to weather conditions, Air New Zealand expects to operate its normal schedule between New Zealand and Fiji tomorrow, and is looking at options to add further capacity.

Affected passengers are requested to contact our call centre to be booked on next available flights.

New Zealand - phone 0800 737 000

Fiji - phone 679-672 2955