31 Jan 2008

Power has been restored in most parts of Fiji

11:08 am on 31 January 2008

The National Disaster Management office in Fiji says power has been restored to most parts of Fiji, but people are still without water after cyclone Gene struck the country.

Seven people have been confirmed dead and thousands are estimated to be affected by the cyclone.

The disaster management office is yet to assess the total damage and Cabinet will hold a briefing later today.

The office's, Viliame Tuimanu, says some areas are still flooded, particularly the tourist town of Nadi, where residents have to wade through waist-high water.

Mr Tuimanu says about 80 percents of the residents have now access to electricity.

"Power has been restored in most parts of Fiji, but there are some areas still affected. Water is still not fully restored with the water supply. There are some place in Viti Levu still affected."

Viliame Tuimanu says more than thousand people are sheltering in the 40 evacuation centres across the country.