The Fiji Government is to provide emergency assistance to victims of Cyclone Ami which has devastated the northern and eastern islands of the country.
Local radio FM 96 quotes the Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, as saying the assistance needs to be provided as soon as possible because people are suffering.
The National Disaster and Emergency Committee has recommended to Cabinet that the northern and eastern divisions be declared disaster areas.
This follows reports today of widespread devastation with houses blown down, food crops damaged and extensive flooding in low lying areas.
The Vanua Levu town of Labasa was under two metres of water today while there was extensive damage in Savusavu.
Cyclone Ami was lashing islands in the eastern Lau group at midday with strong winds and heavy rain.
One island was reported to have been hit by a tidal wave this morning with villagers seeking shelter in caves.
Meanwhile, floodwaters are reported to be rising in Sawani and Nausori areas just north of Suva.
Many business houses, banks and offices were closed today while domestic and regional flights and inter-island shipping services were suspended.
But the tourist belt in Fiji's west is reported to have escaped largely unscathed.
The treason trial of Fiji coup accomplices, Timoci Silatolu and Josefa Nata, which was to resume today after the Christmas and New Year break, has been postponed indefinitely.
