No govt help for Kiwis stranded in Fiji 

Source: ONE News

New Zealanders holidaying in Fiji are unlikely to get help from the government to get home as rising flood waters continue to cause chaos throughout the country.

Flash flooding caused by days of heavy rain has left at least eight people dead and thousands homeless.

Several hundred Kiwis are stranded after being unable get to Nadi International Aiport to catch scheduled flights home.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) says no New Zealanders have asked for the government's help and no plans are being considered to send an air force plane to Fiji to bring them home.

The Australian government says it is talking to airlines and officials in Fiji about getting Australian tourists home.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says he is very concerned about the wellbeing of those affected by Fiji's floods,

an Australian newspaper reports.

In New Zealand, Mfat spokesman Dave Courtney says the Nadi airport is operating and the issue is getting people to the airport.

He says the ministry is not advising people not to travel to Fiji but telling them to keep in touch with their agents.

The ministry's travel website says heavy rain has caused extensive flooding in the western, central and northern areas of Fiji, including in and around Nadi.

Several areas have been classified as disaster zones and several roads had been closed, including some in downtown Nadi.

The ministry says many visitors are experiencing delays and disruption to their travel plans.

While Nadi airport is operational for international travel, some domestic flights are disrupted.

Heavy rain and further flooding is expected over the next two or three days.

"New Zealanders planning to visit or who are currently in Fiji should closely monitor the situation and contact their travel arranger for the latest information," says the ministry on its travel website.

Confirmation of accommodation and transport to resorts or hotels before leaving New Zealand is also recommended.

More bad weather hit Viti Levu on Tuesday night, bringing fresh floods and warnings from officials for people to move to higher ground.

Officials say it is the worst flooding "in the recent history of Fiji".