Seven people have died in floods following torrential rains in the Pacific island state of Fiji where 9,400 have been evacuated from their homes and a state of emergency declared, according to reports from the capital Suva early Monday (Sunday evening GMT), according to dpa. Dusk to dawn curfews have been declared in three towns, including Nadi, site of Fiji's international airport, which is cut off from Suva by floodwaters. Flights were cancelled at the domestic airport at Nausori, near Suva, because access roads were flooded, a Radio New Zealand correspondent reported. Defence and National Security Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau said military strongman Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama had imposed a state of emergency in the western division of the main island Viti Levu following the recommendation of the National Disaster Management Office, the independent Fijilive website reported. "It is basically to safeguard lives and property," he said. "We want to prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of the flood- hit areas." Radio New Zealand quoted a New Zealand travel agency as saying it had at least 500 customers stranded in Fiji because of flooding, but all were safe. A spokesman said people were confined to their accommodation because roads were impassable and it was impossible for boats to get to Nadi from outer islands where the main resorts are based. Power supplies were cut, drinking water was restricted and telephone lines were down in some places. Rain eased overnight and the floodwaters were receding, the Radio New Zealand correspondent said, but another tropical depression was forecast to be heading towards Fiji, potentially bringing more torrential downpours.
