Updated 5 April 2012: Australia is continuing to monitor the flood situation in Fiji and has provided humanitarian assistance of up to $1 million for the worst-affected areas.
While many Australian travellers were able to return home yesterday, AusAID has deployed extra staff and provisions to Suva to help the people of Fiji as the disaster continues to unfold.
Humanitarian assistance will support local and international NGOs to provide emergency relief supplies, including tarpaulins, water purification tablets, water containers and blankets.
Australia is working closely with Fiji's National Disaster Management Office, which has responsibility for coordinating efforts across the country.
Australia will also support Fijian organisations to assess the damage and needs of affected communities. This follows Australian funding for a helicopter used on Monday by international aid agency Act for Peace to conduct aerial surveys of flooded areas.
As the scale and damage caused by the floods becomes clearer, Australia will consult the Fijian interim government and local organisations about how we can support longer-term recovery and reconstruction.
Australia remains the largest aid donor to Fiji. Earlier this year, AusAID provided urgent humanitarian assistance following severe floods in January.
Australians currently in Fiji who are seeking more information should contact DFAT on +61 2 6261 3305.
Australians seeking information on the situation in Fiji should contact www.smartraveller.gov.au or DFAT's 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135.
3 April 2012: Devastating floods in Fiji have caused several deaths and damaged homes, roads and important infrastructure. Continuing heavy rainfall has forced thousands of Fijians to take refuge in evacuation centres as Cyclone Daphne threatens to cause further damage.
Foreign Minister Bob Carr yesterday spoke with Fiji's interim Foreign Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, to express the deepest sympathy of the Australian Government and people.
Senator Carr told Ratu Inoke Kubuabola that the Australian Government was ready to provide assistance of up to $1 million for the worst-affected areas. This assistance will support local and international NGOs to provide emergency relief supplies, including tarpaulins, water purification tablets, water containers and blankets. Supplies will also be made available for distribution by Fiji's National Disaster Management Office.
Australia is also working closely with Fijian organisations to assess the damage and needs of affected communities, including funding aerial surveys of flooded areas.
Senator Carr said Australia and Fiji have strong ties and, at a time of crisis, Australia stands ready to provide help our Pacific neighbour.
Australians seeking information on the situation in Fiji should contact http://www.smartraveller.gov.au or DFAT's 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135.
Australians currently in Fiji who are seeking more information should contact +61 2 6261 3305.