Fiji Rugby Union Board chairman Bill Gavoka has been taken into custody, accused of trying to destabilise the nation with a rumour it will be hit by a tsunami today.

Mr Gavoka, who used to head the Fiji Visitors Bureau, apparently sent emails to tourist operators repeating a warning first issued by a Nadi pastor that an undersea earthquake would generate a tsunami which would reach the islands at 2.30pm, the Stuff news website reported.

Police spokeswoman Ema Mua confirmed to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation News that Mr Gavoka was being questioned.