NZ to help Fiji as long as necessary - McCully

An RNZAF Hercules arrived in Fiji today in response to a request for international assistance. Photo / Kenny Rodger

The Government says it will provide assistance to cyclone-struck Fiji for as long as necessary.

"We will do whatever we have to do," Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said late this afternoon.

Cyclone Tomas, which has now been downgraded to a storm, has killed at least one person, left more than 18,000 homeless, damaged hospitals and other vital services and knocked out communications.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules plane carrying tarpaulins, water containers, purification tablets and other relief supplies arrived in Fiji today in response to a request for international assistance.

Mr McCully said it was likely to be the first time a New Zealand defence force plane had been in Fiji since the 2006 coup.

"This is a humanitarian situation, we will treat it entirely on that basis.

"Any complications in relation to the diplomatic side of things should be put to one side.

"I am very confident though from the reports that we are getting this is not an issue on the ground."

After dropping off supplies the Hercules crew carried out a survey of remote areas of the islands worst hit by the cyclone including the northern coast of Vanua Levu.

"Quite a few villages look like they have been hit pretty hard." Squadron Leader Kavae Tamariki told the stuff website.

He said some houses had been destroyed and many homes had lost their roofs. There were few people in the area.

"We think they have fled to safety inland."

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said about 480 New Zealanders were registered as being in Fiji and the department was working to get in contact with them.

"We're working with the High Commission in Suva to contact New Zealand visitors, although communication is obviously a bit of an issue in some of the areas," he said.

"We are encouraging New Zealanders in Fiji to contact family and friends to confirm that they're ok."

He said the ministry had received a small number of calls from people in New Zealand with concerns for people they knew, but said there had so far been no calls from New Zealanders in distress in Fiji.

A group of about five New Zealand tourists reported as being trapped on the northeastern island of Qamea without phones and power this morning, were now confirmed safe, the spokesman said.

"We've since heard from a family member that they have made contact with them and that they are safe."

While Nadi and Nausori airports were back in operation, the ministry advised anyone with immediate plans to travel to Fiji to check with their travel agent or accommodation provider for information on domestic flights and possible resort damage.

The cyclone warning for Fiji was removed as Tomas moved south at 20km/h, although a strong wind warning remained in effect for Southern Lau.

Fijian authorities have declared a state of disaster, but due to the effects of the storm and problems with communications there have been no official damage assessments.

On the northern island of Koro, seven of the 14 villages were badly damaged, Julian Hennings, a spokesman for the island's Dere Bay Resort, told the Associated Press.

"Some of the houses have blown away. A lot of trees have been uprooted, some of the roads have been blocked off because the waves have picked up rocks and coral and have dumped it on the road."

Offshore islands remained out of contact and Fiji's National Disaster Management Office said it was carrying out aerial surveillance to assess the level of damage.

- NZPA