Wellington - Fiji, which has been devastated by floods following torrential rains over the last week, has made an international appeal for aid, especially drinking water, according to reports from the capital Suva on Friday. The Pacific island state's Foreign Affairs Secretary Ratu Isoa Gavidi told Radio New Zealand that 20 countries had been asked to help with water, holding tanks and purification tablets at the top of the list.
He said it could be two or three weeks before fresh water supplies are restored to some flood-stricken areas. Clothing, bedding and tents were also needed.
About 8,000 people are reported to remain in 123 evacuation centres having been forced from their homes. At least 11 people are known to have died in the floods.
Food is reportedly short in the worst hit towns on the main island Viti Levu, including Nadi, site of the country's international airport, which has been flooded twice, with every shop and restaurant closed.
The New Zealand government said it was giving urgent consideration to Fiji's list of requested items.
New Zealand and Australia, which have imposed sanctions on Fiji's military regime which seized power in a coup two years ago, have so far supplied aid only to the Red Cross and non-governmental relief organisations.
