Flood-ravaged Fiji has begun a massive clean-up, as fears rise that disease could quickly spread through evacuation centres.
The interim government is sending teams to assess damage caused by days of severe flooding that has killed six people and forced thousands out of their homes.
[image:4923:half:right]Severe warnings remain in place for the main island, Viti Levu, where water and power supplies are cut and many homes and businesses have been damaged in Pacific Island nation's worst flooding in decades.
The government says six people have died since the Western Division was inundated with rain which began on Thursday night, forcing up to 8000 people to shelter in the evacuation centres.
A state of natural disaster was declared on Sunday and officials say it is not known how many people remain cut off by the flooding.
There are growing fears about conditions in the evacuation centres with health authorities concentrating on preventing an outbreak of communicable diseases.
Government teams are issuing water purification tablets and inspecting sanitary conditions at the centres. Teams will also distribute food rations in affected areas.
Meanwhile, Information Secretary Sharon Smith-Johns says the worst appears to be over, despite tropical cyclone Daphne bringing more rain and strong gales since Monday.
The Disaster Management Office says floodwaters that caused massive devastation in some areas are receding and people are arriving from Suva to help with the clean-up.
Fiji Meteorological Service says severe flood warnings remain in place for parts of the country. Strong winds and heavy rain are expected again on Tuesday, but with rain more intermittent.
Thousands of tourists were also stranded when flights were cut off at the weekend.
