On Sunday, Fiji's general election ended in a cliffhanger as the two rival leaders failed to win a clear majority resulting in election tie between Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and political rival Sitiveni Rabuka projected to win 26 seats each in Parliament.

Fiji: Tumultuous general election ends in a cliffhanger, vote counting finishes with no clear winner

Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama failed to win a majority in the recently concluded general election, leaving the country facing a hung parliament. Bainimarama's First party has won 26 seats which are two short of the majority needed to form the government, news agency Bloomberg reported on Sunday citing data from the Fiji Elections Office.

Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama failed to win a majority in the recently concluded general election, leaving the country facing a hung parliament. Bainimarama's First party has won 26 seats which are two short of the majority needed to form the government, news agency Bloomberg reported on Sunday citing data from the Fiji Elections Office. The People’s Alliance Party secured the second position with 21 seats while the Social Democratic Liberal Party won three seats. This general election's result marked the first time since democratic polls resumed in 2014 that the Fiji First failed to secure the majority needed to form the government. ALSO READ| Fiji's biggest threat 'climate change, not conflict' According to Radio New Zealand International, Frank Bainimarama will now have to woo at least one of the other political parties into a coalition to maintain power. Bainimarama, 68, has been leading Fiji since 2006 when the then-army chief seized power in a military coup. In the 2014 election, the Fiji First won a clear majority and Bainimarama became the Prime Minister. He won again the 2018 election. With the counting of all votes concluded, the Prime Minister and the next government in Fiji will now likely be determined through party horsetrading and what could be a drawn-out negotiation process, a report by news agency AFP said on Sunday. The 2022 election marred by late-night glitch Fijians cast their votes on Wednesday to elect the government for the next four years. However, the vote counting was marred by a glitch late Wednesday night which hid the tally from the public for four hours. The interference in counting was met with widespread anger on social media. On Thursday, opposition leaders in Fiji, including two-time coup leader Sitiveni Rabuka, called for a halt to the vote counting alleging anomalies and an urgent forensic audit. The leaders threatened to boycott the next parliament if these two demands were not met. Sitiveni Rabuka, 74, former Prime Minister and one of the contenders for the top post in this election, claimed anomalies in counting and asked the military to step in. He was then hauled in for questioning by detectives. Upon being released, Rabuka told AFP the questioning was a part of the current government's effort to intimidate him. No significant concerns about conduct of poll: International observers Amid calls for a halt to the vote counting, international observers said on Friday that they had no significant concerns about the conduct of the Fiji general election. Rebekha Sharkie, one of the observers and Australian member of Parliament told AFP that no significant irregularities or issues during pre-polling, postal voting or election day voting were observed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama fails to win majority in general election

With the final results of the general election in Fiji still awaited, international observers said on Friday that they had no significant concerns about the conduct of the election, a day after opposition leaders called for a halt to the vote counting, alleging anomalies.&nbsp;

The situation in Fiji has been tense since voters exercised their franchise on Wednesday. On Wednesday night, the vote counting was marred by a glitch and provisional results were hidden from public view for four hours. The system was restored on Thursday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fiji-poll-opposition-calls-for-halt-to-counting-threatens-to-boycott-parliament-543244">Fiji poll: Oppn alleges anomalies, demands halt to counting, threatens to boycott parliament</a>

As many as six opposition parties along with one of the largest churches in Fiji said that they have lost confidence in the counting process.&nbsp;

However, international observers have disputed claims of major problems. Rebekha Sharkie, one of the observers and Australian member of Parliament told AFP on Friday that they did not observe any significant irregularities or issues during pre-polling, postal voting or election day voting.&nbsp;

An interim report by the Multinational Observer Group found that Wednesday's glitches affected how numbers were displayed on the vote results app but did not indicate the counting system was impacted. "The error was resolved and the results app was restored after approximately four hours with corrected data," the group's report said.&nbsp;

Former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, one of the contenders for the top post in this election, along with three other opposition leaders on Thursday demanded a halt to the vote counting and an urgent forensic audit. They threatened to boycott the next parliament if these demands were not met.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the ruling Fiji First party was leading the provisional results with 45.88% of votes at 7 am, ahead of the People's Alliance Party with 32.66% of votes, news agency Reuters reported. The National Federation Party had secured 9.29% of the votes. The final results of the election will be known by Sunday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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With the final results of the general election in Fiji still awaited, international observers said on Friday that they had no significant concerns about the conduct of the election, a day after opposition leaders called for a halt to the vote counting, alleging anomalies.

With the final results of the general election in Fiji still awaited, international observers said on Friday that they had no significant concerns about the conduct of the election, a day after opposition leaders called for a halt to the vote counting, alleging anomalies. The situation in Fiji has been tense since voters exercised their franchise on Wednesday. On Wednesday night, the vote counting was marred by a glitch and provisional results were hidden from public view for four hours. The system was restored on Thursday. ALSO READ | Fiji poll: Oppn alleges anomalies, demands halt to counting, threatens to boycott parliament As many as six opposition parties along with one of the largest churches in Fiji said that they have lost confidence in the counting process. However, international observers have disputed claims of major problems. Rebekha Sharkie, one of the observers and Australian member of Parliament told AFP on Friday that they did not observe any significant irregularities or issues during pre-polling, postal voting or election day voting. An interim report by the Multinational Observer Group found that Wednesday's glitches affected how numbers were displayed on the vote results app but did not indicate the counting system was impacted. "The error was resolved and the results app was restored after approximately four hours with corrected data," the group's report said. Former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, one of the contenders for the top post in this election, along with three other opposition leaders on Thursday demanded a halt to the vote counting and an urgent forensic audit. They threatened to boycott the next parliament if these demands were not met. On Thursday, the ruling Fiji First party was leading the provisional results with 45.88% of votes at 7 am, ahead of the People's Alliance Party with 32.66% of votes, news agency Reuters reported. The National Federation Party had secured 9.29% of the votes. The final results of the election will be known by Sunday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

No significant concerns about conduct of Fiji poll: International observers

On Saturday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in its recent update said that a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck 399 kilometres away from the west-northwest of Suva, Fiji at the depth of 587.2 kilometres.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US tsunami warning system said there was no threat of a tsunami due to this earthquake. There are no reports of injuries or damage yet. However, confirming the magnitude of the earthquake in Fiji, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said that there is no tsunami threat to Canberra.&nbsp;

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No <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tsunami?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tsunami</a> threat to Australia from magnitude 7.0 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> near Fiji Islands Region. Latest advice at <a href="https://t.co/Tynv3ZQpEq">https://t.co/Tynv3ZQpEq</a>. <a href="https://t.co/VY0iNAd7MY">pic.twitter.com/VY0iNAd7MY</a>
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) <a href="https://twitter.com/BOM_au/status/1591332264188993538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Melanesian country is located in the Pacific Ocean nearly 3,000 kilometres off the coast of Australia with about 300 islands and 540 islets making up the archipelago. This comes days after three earthquakes were recorded in the southern part of Fiji islands in the Pacific, on November evening each around a depth of 600 kilometres.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fijis-biggest-threat-climate-change-not-conflict-487475">Fiji's biggest threat 'climate change, not conflict'</a>

According to reports, the first earthquake struck with a magnitude of 6.8, the second with a magnitude of 7 struck almost 15 minutes later and subsequently, the third earthquake of a magnitude of 6.6 struck, all three earthquakes struck within an hour, showed the report by USGS.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fiji-villages-inundated-by-rising-sea-503889">Fiji villages inundated by rising sea</a>

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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On Saturday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in its recent update said that a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck 399 kilometres away from the west-northwest of Suva, Fiji at the depth of 587.

On Saturday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in its recent update said that a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck 399 kilometres away from the west-northwest of Suva, Fiji at the depth of 587.2 kilometres. Meanwhile, the US tsunami warning system said there was no threat of a tsunami due to this earthquake. There are no reports of injuries or damage yet. However, confirming the magnitude of the earthquake in Fiji, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said that there is no tsunami threat to Canberra. No #tsunami threat to Australia from magnitude 7.0 #earthquake near Fiji Islands Region. Latest advice at https://t.co/Tynv3ZQpEq. pic.twitter.com/VY0iNAd7MY — Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) November 12, 2022 × The Melanesian country is located in the Pacific Ocean nearly 3,000 kilometres off the coast of Australia with about 300 islands and 540 islets making up the archipelago. This comes days after three earthquakes were recorded in the southern part of Fiji islands in the Pacific, on November evening each around a depth of 600 kilometres. ALSO READ: Fiji's biggest threat 'climate change, not conflict' According to reports, the first earthquake struck with a magnitude of 6.8, the second with a magnitude of 7 struck almost 15 minutes later and subsequently, the third earthquake of a magnitude of 6.6 struck, all three earthquakes struck within an hour, showed the report by USGS. ALSO WATCH: Fiji villages inundated by rising sea (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

An earthquake with magnitude 7.0 hits off the coast of Fiji, no tsunami warnings

In Fiji, rising ocean temperatures have hit harvest now. Inadequate harvest that is threatening livelihoods of fisherwomen in the area.

WION Climate Tracker | Fiji fisherwomen struggle to find Nama seaweed essential in Fijian diet

The Fiji villages are inundated by rising sea levels, demanding the big emitters to pay. The villagers say that the developed nations who contributed the most to global warming must protect the victims of their actions.

Fiji villages inundated by rising sea

Fiji faces its biggest threat from "devastating climate change" rather than conflict, the country's defence minister warned Sunday at a high-level security summit that has been dominated by geopolitical tensions.

This weekend's Shangri-La Dialogue, which brings together defence ministers from around the world, has seen sparring between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan while delegates also voiced concern about the Ukraine war.

It comes as Beijing jostles with Western powers for influence over Pacific island nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/funds-needed-for-tackling-climate-disasters-up-more-than-800-in-20-years-report-485996">Funds needed for tackling climate disasters up ‘more than 800%’ in 20 years: Report</a>

But Fijian Defence Minister&nbsp;Inia Seruiratu sought instead to focus attention on the threat posed by climate change to his Pacific country, which is regularly hit by cyclones.

"Machine guns, fighter jets, ships... are not our primary security concern," he told hundreds of delegates at the event in Singapore.

"The single greatest threat to our very existence is... human-induced, devastating climate change.&nbsp;It threatens our very hopes and dreams of prosperity.&nbsp;

"Waves are crashing at our doorsteps, winds are battering our homes, we are being assaulted by this enemy from many angles."

He said security was "broader than many of us have traditionally defined it", urging other countries to support Fiji's efforts to combat climate change.

Last September, Fiji passed a sweeping climate change act which declared a climate emergency while setting out the legal framework for the nation's response.

Watch |&nbsp;'Super Algae' to help fight climate change

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Cyclones, rising seas

Low-lying Pacific island nations are some of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world. Threats range from cyclones that are becoming more regular and powerful, to rising seas.

Ahead of last year's key climate talks in Glasgow, Pacific states warned they were bearing the brunt of global warming and urged wealthy, industrialised nations to do more.

China has been vying for influence in the region with other nations, including Australia and the United States.

But Fiji was among 10 Pacific nations that last month rebuffed China's push for a wide-ranging security pact, in a high-profile political setback for Beijing.

While he avoided the topic during his address, Seruiratu was asked about it at a question and answer session afterwards.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-talks-test-global-resolve-on-warming-485504">Climate talks test global resolve on warming</a>

He said people had asked him "everybody's coming to Fiji and courting you but when will you get married?"

"Let me say this. Marriage is about... an enduring relationship. Relationships must be enduring and built on trust."

Seruiratu also struck a conciliatory tone towards Beijing, despite the recent failed attempt to push its security pact.&nbsp;

"China is a key development partner, and that is a known fact. And that is accepted as well in the region," he said.&nbsp;

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Fiji faces its biggest threat from "devastating climate change" rather than conflict, the country's defence minister warned Sunday at a high-level security summit that has been dominated by geopolitical tensions.

Fiji faces its biggest threat from "devastating climate change" rather than conflict, the country's defence minister warned Sunday at a high-level security summit that has been dominated by geopolitical tensions. This weekend's Shangri-La Dialogue, which brings together defence ministers from around the world, has seen sparring between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan while delegates also voiced concern about the Ukraine war. It comes as Beijing jostles with Western powers for influence over Pacific island nations. Also read | Funds needed for tackling climate disasters up ‘more than 800%’ in 20 years: Report But Fijian Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu sought instead to focus attention on the threat posed by climate change to his Pacific country, which is regularly hit by cyclones. "Machine guns, fighter jets, ships... are not our primary security concern," he told hundreds of delegates at the event in Singapore. "The single greatest threat to our very existence is... human-induced, devastating climate change. It threatens our very hopes and dreams of prosperity. "Waves are crashing at our doorsteps, winds are battering our homes, we are being assaulted by this enemy from many angles." He said security was "broader than many of us have traditionally defined it", urging other countries to support Fiji's efforts to combat climate change. Last September, Fiji passed a sweeping climate change act which declared a climate emergency while setting out the legal framework for the nation's response. Watch | 'Super Algae' to help fight climate change Cyclones, rising seas Low-lying Pacific island nations are some of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world. Threats range from cyclones that are becoming more regular and powerful, to rising seas. Ahead of last year's key climate talks in Glasgow, Pacific states warned they were bearing the brunt of global warming and urged wealthy, industrialised nations to do more. China has been vying for influence in the region with other nations, including Australia and the United States. But Fiji was among 10 Pacific nations that last month rebuffed China's push for a wide-ranging security pact, in a high-profile political setback for Beijing. While he avoided the topic during his address, Seruiratu was asked about it at a question and answer session afterwards. Also read | Climate talks test global resolve on warming He said people had asked him "everybody's coming to Fiji and courting you but when will you get married?" "Let me say this. Marriage is about... an enduring relationship. Relationships must be enduring and built on trust." Seruiratu also struck a conciliatory tone towards Beijing, despite the recent failed attempt to push its security pact. "China is a key development partner, and that is a known fact. And that is accepted as well in the region," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fiji's biggest threat 'climate change, not conflict'

A Russian Oligarchs luxury superyacht has left Fiji for united states after a court in the island nation ordered the removal of the vessel from its harbor. The court observed that maintaining the vessel was costing dearly to the island nation.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russian luxury superyacht leaves Fiji for US

Authorities in Fiji seized a 300 million dollar luxury yacht owned by a Russian Oligarch. The US requested Fiji to seize the yacht as its allies impose sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine war: Fiji seizes Russian Oligarch's luxury yacht on United States' request

New Zealand and Fiji signed a partnership statement on Tuesday that will see the two countries work more closely together in areas such as security, protecting shared interests and economic resilience.

The announcement between the two countries came days after the Solomon Islands government confirmed it was "diversifying" its security relationships beyond Australia, which prompted alarm in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-prime-minister-ardern-says-solomon-islands-china-deal-gravely-concerning-466244">New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda&nbsp;Ardern&nbsp;says Solomon Islands-China deal 'gravely concerning'</a>

"Aotearoa New Zealand is committed to working alongside Fiji and supporting common goals — both in Fiji and in the Pacific region," New Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said in a statement after the agreement was signed.

The partnership statement outlines a broad range of priorities such as pursuing greater understanding and coordination on foreign policy priorities; building economic resilience; supporting capability to uphold sovereign authority, according to a New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dramatic-video-shows-rescue-from-new-zealand-boat-sinking-that-killed-four-464641">Dramatic video shows rescue from New Zealand boat sinking that killed four</a>

"This strategic cooperation is timely, as our region paves its way forward to progressive socio-economic recovery," said Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.

Watch |&nbsp;New Zealand borders to reopen; Visa-Waiver countries tourists can travel from May 1

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New Zealand and Fiji signed a partnership statement on Tuesday that will see the two countries work more closely together in areas such as security, protecting shared interests and economic resilience.

New Zealand and Fiji signed a partnership statement on Tuesday that will see the two countries work more closely together in areas such as security, protecting shared interests and economic resilience. The announcement between the two countries came days after the Solomon Islands government confirmed it was "diversifying" its security relationships beyond Australia, which prompted alarm in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Also read | New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says Solomon Islands-China deal 'gravely concerning' "Aotearoa New Zealand is committed to working alongside Fiji and supporting common goals — both in Fiji and in the Pacific region," New Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said in a statement after the agreement was signed. The partnership statement outlines a broad range of priorities such as pursuing greater understanding and coordination on foreign policy priorities; building economic resilience; supporting capability to uphold sovereign authority, according to a New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade statement. Also read | Dramatic video shows rescue from New Zealand boat sinking that killed four "This strategic cooperation is timely, as our region paves its way forward to progressive socio-economic recovery," said Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama. Watch | New Zealand borders to reopen; Visa-Waiver countries tourists can travel from May 1

New Zealand, Fiji agree to work together on security, economy, other areas

According to reports, Google co-founder Larry Page is in Fiji riding out the pandemic. The multi-billionaire reportedly arrived in the Fijian city of Nadi last month on a private jet even as the country has been&nbsp;hit with the second wave of the virus.

Reports say Page, 48, has kept a low profile since the pandemic began last year. He reportedly arrived in the country with coronavirus supplies to help citizens in Fiji.

Page is reportedly spending time in his luxury yacht in the Fijian islands during the pandemic parking himself in Tavarua island. Page was earlier spotted in Namotu amid speculation that he has bought an island in Fiji.

According to reports, Larry Page and Google co-founder Sergey Brin have sold over $1 billion stocks since May with Alphabet stocks on a high since the pandemic last year as the company posted second-quarter revenue and earnings.

Fiji had closed its border due to the coronavirus pandemic however the country's “Blue Lane” initiative allows high net individuals with superyacht and private jets to enter the country with few restrictions.

Reports say Fijian authorities have allowed Larry Page to keep his visit private with very little information on the Google superstars whereabouts.

Page had stepped down as Alphabet CEO in 2019 while handing over the reins to CEO Sundar Pichai. Page and Brin&nbsp;however still have voting rights

Page and Brin had co-founded Google in 1998 with both men ranked as one of the richest men in the world. Page's reported&nbsp;net worth is $117 billion and he is the sixth wealthiest person in the world.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

According to reports, Google co-founder Larry Page is in Fiji riding out the pandemic. The multi-billionaire reportedly arrived in the Fijian city of Nadi last month on a private jet even as the country has been hit with the second wave of the virus.

According to reports, Google co-founder Larry Page is in Fiji riding out the pandemic. The multi-billionaire reportedly arrived in the Fijian city of Nadi last month on a private jet even as the country has been hit with the second wave of the virus. Reports say Page, 48, has kept a low profile since the pandemic began last year. He reportedly arrived in the country with coronavirus supplies to help citizens in Fiji. Page is reportedly spending time in his luxury yacht in the Fijian islands during the pandemic parking himself in Tavarua island. Page was earlier spotted in Namotu amid speculation that he has bought an island in Fiji. According to reports, Larry Page and Google co-founder Sergey Brin have sold over $1 billion stocks since May with Alphabet stocks on a high since the pandemic last year as the company posted second-quarter revenue and earnings. Fiji had closed its border due to the coronavirus pandemic however the country's “Blue Lane” initiative allows high net individuals with superyacht and private jets to enter the country with few restrictions. Reports say Fijian authorities have allowed Larry Page to keep his visit private with very little information on the Google superstars whereabouts. Page had stepped down as Alphabet CEO in 2019 while handing over the reins to CEO Sundar Pichai. Page and Brin however still have voting rights Page and Brin had co-founded Google in 1998 with both men ranked as one of the richest men in the world. Page's reported net worth is $117 billion and he is the sixth wealthiest person in the world. (With inputs from Agencies)

Worth a search: Is Google co-founder Larry Page hiding in Fiji to ride out Covid pandemic?

Fiji&nbsp;coach Vern Cotter has said his team did not wear jerseys with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccination</a> message in Saturday's 57-23 defeat by New Zealand in Dunedin because the idea had been sprung on the players late with little consultation.

News website Stuff reported the team was supposed to wear jerseys with the message "Vaccinate&nbsp;Fiji" in the clash, with the idea coming from one of their main sponsors,&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;Airways.

"That's a really complex question, and the answer is complex as well," New Zealand's Cotter was quoted as saying by Stuff when asked why the team abandoned the plan.

"We really haven't got the full answer. It was sprung on the players quite late in the piece, and there wasn't a lot of exchange and consultation.

"As you can imagine, it's a delicate subject for some, so it was probably better to just have a clean jersey at this stage, and spend some time on how we best want to communicate on this matter and how comfortable the players are in communicating it."

A spokesman for&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;Airways said that the decision was disappointing, Stuff reported.

"We had given up our (advertising) space (on the jersey) to push an important, life-saving message to support the efforts of&nbsp;Fijian front-liners battling the current <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID outbreak</a>," the spokesman was quoted as saying.

"We defer to&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;Rugby to address the issue."

COVID-19 infections in&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;have risen in recent weeks, with an average of 609 new infections reported each day according to a Reuters tally. The South Pacific island nation of less than 900,000 people has recorded over 9,500 cases and 49 novel coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began.

Fiji&nbsp;will take on the All Blacks again in Hamilton next Saturday.

Fiji coach Vern Cotter has said his team did not wear jerseys with a COVID-19 vaccination message in Saturday's 57-23 defeat by New Zealand in Dunedin because the idea had been sprung on the players late with little consultation.

Fiji coach Vern Cotter has said his team did not wear jerseys with a COVID-19 vaccination message in Saturday's 57-23 defeat by New Zealand in Dunedin because the idea had been sprung on the players late with little consultation. News website Stuff reported the team was supposed to wear jerseys with the message "Vaccinate Fiji" in the clash, with the idea coming from one of their main sponsors, Fiji Airways. "That's a really complex question, and the answer is complex as well," New Zealand's Cotter was quoted as saying by Stuff when asked why the team abandoned the plan. "We really haven't got the full answer. It was sprung on the players quite late in the piece, and there wasn't a lot of exchange and consultation. "As you can imagine, it's a delicate subject for some, so it was probably better to just have a clean jersey at this stage, and spend some time on how we best want to communicate on this matter and how comfortable the players are in communicating it." A spokesman for Fiji Airways said that the decision was disappointing, Stuff reported. "We had given up our (advertising) space (on the jersey) to push an important, life-saving message to support the efforts of Fijian front-liners battling the current COVID outbreak," the spokesman was quoted as saying. "We defer to Fiji Rugby to address the issue." COVID-19 infections in Fiji have risen in recent weeks, with an average of 609 new infections reported each day according to a Reuters tally. The South Pacific island nation of less than 900,000 people has recorded over 9,500 cases and 49 novel coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began. Fiji will take on the All Blacks again in Hamilton next Saturday.

Rugby: Fiji dropped 'vaccinate' jerseys over lack of consultation, says coach

Fiji&nbsp;has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job".

Frank Bainimarama said all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 must go on leave if they have not had their first injection by August 15 and would be dismissed if they did not receive their second by November 1.

Private sector employees must have their first jab by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down.

"No jabs, no job -- that is what the science tells us is safest and that is now the policy of the government and enforced through the law," Bainimarama said in a national address late Thursday.

The hardline policy comes amid government frustration at the widespread flouting of virus safety measures such as social distancing and wearing masks, blamed in part for a huge spike in infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-virus-related-deaths-rise-to-48000-302632">Also read |&nbsp;UK says virus-related deaths rise to 48,000</a>

Until April,&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;had recorded no community cases for a year but a quarantine breach saw the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, rapidly gain a foothold, with the country now recording 700-plus new cases a day.

'Reckless rule-breakers'

The under-resourced health system has been stretched to breaking point, with the country's largest hospital in Suva this week saying its mortuary was at capacity and urging the families of virus victims to collect their loved ones.

Bainimarama has resisted calls to lock down the entire country, citing the economic cost and the practicalities of enforcing such a move in densely-populated squatter settlements.

"A hard lockdown, as some are calling for, cannot be strictly enforced everywhere in&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;and our experts tell us it would not kill off the virus," he said.

"But it would kill jobs and it could kill our country's future."

Instead, Bainimarama has imposed localised lockdowns in infection hotspots, including the capital Suva, while rolling out the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

While almost 340,000 adults have received their first injection, Bainimarama said online misinformation was discouraging some people, assuring them he had experienced no serious side effects from the inoculation.

"I have not been magnetised or micro-chipped by the vaccine, I have not received the mark of the beast or any other creature -- the vaccine does not do that to anyone," he said.

The rugby-mad country's national team has thrown its weight behind the inoculation drive and will wear shirts emblazoned with the message "vaccinate&nbsp;Fiji", rather than their sponsor's logo, during their two-Test series against New Zealand starting this weekend.

Bainimarama said spot fines were being introduced for "reckless rule-breakers" who did not wear marks, attended social gatherings or violated quarantine orders.

Australia's minister for international development and the Pacific, Zed Seselja, told AFP on Friday that his country had delivered 70,000 more doses to&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to around 400,000.

He vowed Australia would&nbsp;"continue to up our effort when it comes to sharing vaccines in the region. I expect it will continue to ramp up right throughout this year."

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job".

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job". Frank Bainimarama said all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 must go on leave if they have not had their first injection by August 15 and would be dismissed if they did not receive their second by November 1. Private sector employees must have their first jab by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down. "No jabs, no job -- that is what the science tells us is safest and that is now the policy of the government and enforced through the law," Bainimarama said in a national address late Thursday. The hardline policy comes amid government frustration at the widespread flouting of virus safety measures such as social distancing and wearing masks, blamed in part for a huge spike in infections. Also read | UK says virus-related deaths rise to 48,000 Until April, Fiji had recorded no community cases for a year but a quarantine breach saw the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, rapidly gain a foothold, with the country now recording 700-plus new cases a day. 'Reckless rule-breakers' The under-resourced health system has been stretched to breaking point, with the country's largest hospital in Suva this week saying its mortuary was at capacity and urging the families of virus victims to collect their loved ones. Bainimarama has resisted calls to lock down the entire country, citing the economic cost and the practicalities of enforcing such a move in densely-populated squatter settlements. "A hard lockdown, as some are calling for, cannot be strictly enforced everywhere in Fiji and our experts tell us it would not kill off the virus," he said. "But it would kill jobs and it could kill our country's future." Instead, Bainimarama has imposed localised lockdowns in infection hotspots, including the capital Suva, while rolling out the Astra Zeneca vaccine. While almost 340,000 adults have received their first injection, Bainimarama said online misinformation was discouraging some people, assuring them he had experienced no serious side effects from the inoculation. "I have not been magnetised or micro-chipped by the vaccine, I have not received the mark of the beast or any other creature -- the vaccine does not do that to anyone," he said. The rugby-mad country's national team has thrown its weight behind the inoculation drive and will wear shirts emblazoned with the message "vaccinate Fiji", rather than their sponsor's logo, during their two-Test series against New Zealand starting this weekend. Bainimarama said spot fines were being introduced for "reckless rule-breakers" who did not wear marks, attended social gatherings or violated quarantine orders. Australia's minister for international development and the Pacific, Zed Seselja, told AFP on Friday that his country had delivered 70,000 more doses to Fiji in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to around 400,000. He vowed Australia would "continue to up our effort when it comes to sharing vaccines in the region. I expect it will continue to ramp up right throughout this year."

'No jabs, no job': Fiji to make vaccine compulsory

Fiji on Wednesday began distributing groceries to some households as it urges people to stay at home amid rising infections of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the novel coronavirus. 
 
Authorities posted pictures on social media of bags of supermarket supplies, including packaged food and toilet paper, being delivered to homes around the capital, Suva, as they reinforced calls for people to obey social distancing rules and get vaccinated. 
 
Police and a supermarket 'delivered household packs to Fijians in targeted lockdown areas and home isolation', the government said on Twitter as part of a publicity blitz on COVID-19 safety. 
 
The deliveries were mostly being made in poorer neighbourhoods. "We are here to ensure that Fijians get assistance," the government said. 
 
Since the pandemic began, the country of less than a million people has reported 39 deaths, but most have come since the emergence of the Delta variant in April and case numbers have risen to more than 500 a day, according to the latest figures on Tuesday. 
 
The government has said some patients are seeking treatment too late and the main hospital's mortuary was full. Some victims were also dying at home, it said. 
 
But the government has resisted calls for a lockdown and instead urged people to take precautions.

Fiji on Wednesday began distributing groceries to some households as it urges people to stay at home amid rising infections of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the novel coronavirus.

Fiji on Wednesday began distributing groceries to some households as it urges people to stay at home amid rising infections of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the novel coronavirus. Authorities posted pictures on social media of bags of supermarket supplies, including packaged food and toilet paper, being delivered to homes around the capital, Suva, as they reinforced calls for people to obey social distancing rules and get vaccinated. Police and a supermarket 'delivered household packs to Fijians in targeted lockdown areas and home isolation', the government said on Twitter as part of a publicity blitz on COVID-19 safety. The deliveries were mostly being made in poorer neighbourhoods. "We are here to ensure that Fijians get assistance," the government said. Since the pandemic began, the country of less than a million people has reported 39 deaths, but most have come since the emergence of the Delta variant in April and case numbers have risen to more than 500 a day, according to the latest figures on Tuesday. The government has said some patients are seeking treatment too late and the main hospital's mortuary was full. Some victims were also dying at home, it said. But the government has resisted calls for a lockdown and instead urged people to take precautions.

Fiji police deliver groceries, toilet paper amid COVID-19 spike

A Covid-19 outbreak that forced Fiji's capital into lockdown after the island nation avoided transmission for a year was confirmed as the Indian variant Tuesday, with health officials saying they feared a "tsunami" of cases.

The Pacific country had largely dodged community transmission before a cluster emerged this month centred on a quarantine facility in Nadi, the city that is home to Fiji's international airport. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fiji-capital-in-lockdown-after-funeral-turns-out-to-be-virus-superspreader-event-380468">Also read | Fiji capital in lockdown after funeral turns out to be virus 'superspreader' event</a> 
 
The permanent secretary for health and medical services, James Fong, said six new cases had emerged in quarantine facilities on Tuesday and events in India showed the threat posed by the strain could not be underestimated.

"We cannot let that nightmare happen in Fiji," he said in a televised address.

"We still have time to stop it happening but a single misstep will bring about the same Covid tsunami that our friends in India, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States are enduring."

Fiji has largely contained the virus through strict isolation measures and border controls, recording 109 cases and just two deaths in a population of 930,000.

There are currently 42 active cases, 18 of them detected at the border and 24 locally transmitted.

The cluster began when a soldier contracted the virus at a quarantine facility and transmitted it to his wife, who then exposed up to 500 people at a funeral.

Fong said there was evidence that soldiers who had returned from overseas deployments had broken quarantine rules by mixing when they should have been in isolation.

"This is unacceptable," he said, adding that the military was investigating what had happened.

The capital Suva is in lockdown, along with Nadi and Lautoka, Fiji's second-largest city.

Authorities on Tuesday banned inter-island travel, while national carrier Fiji Airways has suspended all international and domestic passenger flights.

The emergence of community transmission is a blow for Fiji's hopes of opening quarantine-free travel bubbles with Australia and New Zealand, both major sources of international tourists before the pandemic.

A Covid-19 outbreak that forced Fiji's capital into lockdown after the island nation avoided transmission for a year was confirmed as the Indian variant Tuesday, with health officials saying they feared a "tsunami" of cases.

A Covid-19 outbreak that forced Fiji's capital into lockdown after the island nation avoided transmission for a year was confirmed as the Indian variant Tuesday, with health officials saying they feared a "tsunami" of cases. The Pacific country had largely dodged community transmission before a cluster emerged this month centred on a quarantine facility in Nadi, the city that is home to Fiji's international airport. Also read | Fiji capital in lockdown after funeral turns out to be virus 'superspreader' event The permanent secretary for health and medical services, James Fong, said six new cases had emerged in quarantine facilities on Tuesday and events in India showed the threat posed by the strain could not be underestimated. "We cannot let that nightmare happen in Fiji," he said in a televised address. "We still have time to stop it happening but a single misstep will bring about the same Covid tsunami that our friends in India, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States are enduring." Fiji has largely contained the virus through strict isolation measures and border controls, recording 109 cases and just two deaths in a population of 930,000. There are currently 42 active cases, 18 of them detected at the border and 24 locally transmitted. The cluster began when a soldier contracted the virus at a quarantine facility and transmitted it to his wife, who then exposed up to 500 people at a funeral. Fong said there was evidence that soldiers who had returned from overseas deployments had broken quarantine rules by mixing when they should have been in isolation. "This is unacceptable," he said, adding that the military was investigating what had happened. The capital Suva is in lockdown, along with Nadi and Lautoka, Fiji's second-largest city. Authorities on Tuesday banned inter-island travel, while national carrier Fiji Airways has suspended all international and domestic passenger flights. The emergence of community transmission is a blow for Fiji's hopes of opening quarantine-free travel bubbles with Australia and New Zealand, both major sources of international tourists before the pandemic.

COVID-19: Fiji fears virus 'tsunami' after outbreak found to be Indian variant

The Fijian capital Suva entered a 14-day lockdown Monday as the Pacific island nation battled to contain a Covid-19 spike following a "superspreader" funeral event.

Around 100,000 people in the city must stay in containment zones and non-essential businesses are shuttered after the first community coronavirus cases in 12 months were detected.

A soldier contracted the virus at a quarantine facility and is believed to have transmitted it to a maid, who then exposed up to 500 people at a funeral.

The permanent secretary for health and medical services, James Fong, said four new cases emerged over the weekend.&nbsp;

"Three of the cases involved persons who attended the funeral that we have identified as a superspreader event, including a husband and wife who circulated through the community," Fong said.

It is not clear how the fourth person, a woman from the outskirts of Suva, became infected.

"She and her husband have been placed in quarantine, but prudence requires us to treat this case as a possible community transmission," Fong said.

"Because we cannot yet pin down the movements of these people and identify all their contacts, we are forced to take strict precautionary measures."&nbsp;

Fiji&nbsp;has largely contained the virus through strict isolation measures and border controls, recording fewer than 100 cases and just two deaths in a population of 930,000.

The emergence of community transmission is a blow for&nbsp;Fiji's hopes of opening quarantine-free travel bubbles with Australia and New Zealand, the source of most of its international visitors.

Fiji's economy is heavily dependent on tourism, which has all but evaporated during the pandemic.

Monthly visitor numbers were down up to 99 percent from pre-pandemic levels, according to government statistics.

Australia and New Zealand opened a trans-Tasman bubble a week ago allowing quarantine-free travel between the two countries -- although New Zealand has since suspended contact with Western Australia due to a Covid-19 outbreak in Perth.

The Fijian capital Suva entered a 14-day lockdown Monday as the Pacific island nation battled to contain a Covid-19 spike following a "superspreader" funeral event.

The Fijian capital Suva entered a 14-day lockdown Monday as the Pacific island nation battled to contain a Covid-19 spike following a "superspreader" funeral event. Around 100,000 people in the city must stay in containment zones and non-essential businesses are shuttered after the first community coronavirus cases in 12 months were detected. A soldier contracted the virus at a quarantine facility and is believed to have transmitted it to a maid, who then exposed up to 500 people at a funeral. The permanent secretary for health and medical services, James Fong, said four new cases emerged over the weekend. "Three of the cases involved persons who attended the funeral that we have identified as a superspreader event, including a husband and wife who circulated through the community," Fong said. It is not clear how the fourth person, a woman from the outskirts of Suva, became infected. "She and her husband have been placed in quarantine, but prudence requires us to treat this case as a possible community transmission," Fong said. "Because we cannot yet pin down the movements of these people and identify all their contacts, we are forced to take strict precautionary measures." Fiji has largely contained the virus through strict isolation measures and border controls, recording fewer than 100 cases and just two deaths in a population of 930,000. The emergence of community transmission is a blow for Fiji's hopes of opening quarantine-free travel bubbles with Australia and New Zealand, the source of most of its international visitors. Fiji's economy is heavily dependent on tourism, which has all but evaporated during the pandemic. Monthly visitor numbers were down up to 99 percent from pre-pandemic levels, according to government statistics. Australia and New Zealand opened a trans-Tasman bubble a week ago allowing quarantine-free travel between the two countries -- although New Zealand has since suspended contact with Western Australia due to a Covid-19 outbreak in Perth.

Fiji capital in lockdown after funeral turns out to be virus 'superspreader' event

India's coronavirus vaccine outreach, or Vaccine Maitri, is continuing with full gusto, with the latest entrant being Fiji, which got&nbsp;a consignment of 100,000 doses.&nbsp;

The vaccines were handed over by India's acting high commissioner Saifullah Khan to Fiji's Prime Minister Admiral (Retd) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama at the Nadi International Airport.&nbsp;Fiji's Health minister Ifereimi Waqainabete, Defence minister Inia Seruiratu, Permanent Secretary for Office of the Prime Minister Yogesh Karan, Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services James Fong and other top officials were also present.

Fiji's prime minister thanked Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi, tweeting, "Vinaka [thank you]&nbsp;to my friend, @narendramodi , for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineMaitri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineMaitri</a> has arrived to Fiji with 100k doses of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines. 
 
Vinaka to my friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>, for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world. <a href="https://t.co/xlWdm04Nvs">pic.twitter.com/xlWdm04Nvs</a>
— Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/FijiPM/status/1376455082242269190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"In a bleak year for multilateralism, you’ve helped put a welcome pause on the pandemic politics that’s kept valuable vaccines in the world’s largest &amp; richest countries," he added.

India has sent vaccines to other countries in the Pacific, including to Solomon Islands. India has also dispatched the doses to the Caribbean.

The Indian high commission&nbsp;said in a release: "India and Fiji share longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, cooperation and cultural ties. Fiji is an important partner for realising the Indo- Pacific vision that envisages a free, open and inclusive region in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity."

India began its Vaccine Maitri drive in January, with the first tranche of Indian vaccines being sent to the Maldives and Bhutan, followed by other countries in the neighbourhood. India's vaccine outreach to the world started within four days of it starting its mega domestic vaccination programme on 16th January.

Speaking at an event on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said, "Since the launch of Vaccine Maitri, we have supplied 64 million doses of vaccines to 82 countries. This includes supplies under a grant, commercial contracts and the COVAX facility [the global vaccine access initiative spearheaded by World Health Organization]."

India's vaccine initiative is expected to get a booster shot, with Quad countries - India, US, Australia, Japan- agreeing after the first leadership summit in March that India's vaccine manufacturing capacity will be increased to produce more doses for the Indo-Pacific region.

India's coronavirus vaccine outreach, or Vaccine Maitri, is continuing with full gusto, with the latest entrant being Fiji, which got a consignment of 100,000 doses.

India's coronavirus vaccine outreach, or Vaccine Maitri, is continuing with full gusto, with the latest entrant being Fiji, which got a consignment of 100,000 doses. The vaccines were handed over by India's acting high commissioner Saifullah Khan to Fiji's Prime Minister Admiral (Retd) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama at the Nadi International Airport. Fiji's Health minister Ifereimi Waqainabete, Defence minister Inia Seruiratu, Permanent Secretary for Office of the Prime Minister Yogesh Karan, Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services James Fong and other top officials were also present. Fiji's prime minister thanked Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi, tweeting, "Vinaka [thank you] to my friend, @narendramodi , for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world." #VaccineMaitri has arrived to Fiji with 100k doses of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines. Vinaka to my friend, @narendramodi, for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world. pic.twitter.com/xlWdm04Nvs — Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) March 29, 2021 × "In a bleak year for multilateralism, you’ve helped put a welcome pause on the pandemic politics that’s kept valuable vaccines in the world’s largest & richest countries," he added. India has sent vaccines to other countries in the Pacific, including to Solomon Islands. India has also dispatched the doses to the Caribbean. The Indian high commission said in a release: "India and Fiji share longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, cooperation and cultural ties. Fiji is an important partner for realising the Indo- Pacific vision that envisages a free, open and inclusive region in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity." India began its Vaccine Maitri drive in January, with the first tranche of Indian vaccines being sent to the Maldives and Bhutan, followed by other countries in the neighbourhood. India's vaccine outreach to the world started within four days of it starting its mega domestic vaccination programme on 16th January. Speaking at an event on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said, "Since the launch of Vaccine Maitri, we have supplied 64 million doses of vaccines to 82 countries. This includes supplies under a grant, commercial contracts and the COVAX facility [the global vaccine access initiative spearheaded by World Health Organization]." India's vaccine initiative is expected to get a booster shot, with Quad countries - India, US, Australia, Japan- agreeing after the first leadership summit in March that India's vaccine manufacturing capacity will be increased to produce more doses for the Indo-Pacific region.

India sends COVID-19 vaccines to over 80 countries, Fiji the latest entrant

At least one person was dead and five were missing Sunday as Fiji was battered by a tropical cyclone for the second time in a month.

Cyclone Ana, a Category Two storm, slammed into the South Pacific island nation with winds up to 140 kilometres an hour (87 mph) and heavy rain, causing widespread flooding.&nbsp;

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) said a 49-year-old man drowned while four fishermen and a three-year-old boy were missing.

More than 7,600 people, many of them rescued from flooded villages, were taking shelter in evacuation centres.

Local media reports said the three-year-old went missing when he accompanied his grandfather to check their boat, which was stuck in mangrove plants.

NDMO director Vasiti Soko said people continued to ignore warnings against venturing out during the storm.

"We are in the midst of a cyclone with widespread flooding throughout the country, yet we continue to receive reports of members of the public, adults and children alike wandering around," she said.

"They should be mindful of the risks they place themselves and members of the Fiji police force deployed to rescue them when there is a mishap."

In December, four people died and 23,000 people fled their homes when super cyclone Yasa, a top-of-the-scale Category Five storm, flattened entire villages with wind gusts of up to 345 kilometres an hour.

At least one person was dead and five were missing Sunday as Fiji was battered by a tropical cyclone for the second time in a month. Cyclone Ana, a Category Two storm, slammed into the South Pacific island nation with winds up to 140 kilometres an hour (87 mph) and heavy rain, causing widespread flooding.

At least one person was dead and five were missing Sunday as Fiji was battered by a tropical cyclone for the second time in a month. Cyclone Ana, a Category Two storm, slammed into the South Pacific island nation with winds up to 140 kilometres an hour (87 mph) and heavy rain, causing widespread flooding. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) said a 49-year-old man drowned while four fishermen and a three-year-old boy were missing. More than 7,600 people, many of them rescued from flooded villages, were taking shelter in evacuation centres. Local media reports said the three-year-old went missing when he accompanied his grandfather to check their boat, which was stuck in mangrove plants. NDMO director Vasiti Soko said people continued to ignore warnings against venturing out during the storm. "We are in the midst of a cyclone with widespread flooding throughout the country, yet we continue to receive reports of members of the public, adults and children alike wandering around," she said. "They should be mindful of the risks they place themselves and members of the Fiji police force deployed to rescue them when there is a mishap." In December, four people died and 23,000 people fled their homes when super cyclone Yasa, a top-of-the-scale Category Five storm, flattened entire villages with wind gusts of up to 345 kilometres an hour.

One dead, five missing as fresh cyclone batters Fiji

A spate of diseases threatens to worsen an already desperate situation in Fiji -- where thousands of lives have been devastated in the wake of the deadly super cyclone Yasa.

Yasa is a top category-five storm that made landfall on Thursday.

Four people died and entire villages were wiped out, with crops and livestock destroyed.

Agencies rushed food and clean water to areas where the storm smashed into the northern islands of the South Pacific nation on Thursday night, forcing more than 23,000 people to flee their homes.

Agriculture officials are also being sent to hard-hit areas to help farmers dispose of dead livestock to reduce the risk of disease, National Disaster Management Office director Vasiti Soko said.

Fiji is prone to violent storms at this time of year. Cyclone Winston killed 44 people when it slammed into the islands in 2016.

Aerial assessment showed that Bua province on the northern island of Vanua Levu suffered 70% damage and destruction, while the small island of Kia was completely destroyed, Fiji Red Cross Director General Ilisapeci Rokotunidau said.

While the largest island of Viti Levu - where about three-quarters of Fijians live - was spared the worst, Vanua Levu and other small islands were in dire need of fresh water and shelter. 
&nbsp;

A spate of diseases threatens to worsen an already desperate situation in Fiji -- where thousands of lives have been devastated in the wake of the deadly super cyclone Yasa.

A spate of diseases threatens to worsen an already desperate situation in Fiji -- where thousands of lives have been devastated in the wake of the deadly super cyclone Yasa. Yasa is a top category-five storm that made landfall on Thursday. Four people died and entire villages were wiped out, with crops and livestock destroyed. Agencies rushed food and clean water to areas where the storm smashed into the northern islands of the South Pacific nation on Thursday night, forcing more than 23,000 people to flee their homes. Agriculture officials are also being sent to hard-hit areas to help farmers dispose of dead livestock to reduce the risk of disease, National Disaster Management Office director Vasiti Soko said. Fiji is prone to violent storms at this time of year. Cyclone Winston killed 44 people when it slammed into the islands in 2016. Aerial assessment showed that Bua province on the northern island of Vanua Levu suffered 70% damage and destruction, while the small island of Kia was completely destroyed, Fiji Red Cross Director General Ilisapeci Rokotunidau said. While the largest island of Viti Levu - where about three-quarters of Fijians live - was spared the worst, Vanua Levu and other small islands were in dire need of fresh water and shelter.

Cyclone Yasa sparks disease fears in already ravaged Fiji

The devastation in Fiji following Cyclone Yasa was compared to a war zone Saturday as reconnaissance flights showed entire villages wiped out and authorities put the cost at hundreds of millions of dollars.

The death toll rose to four with aid workers fearing it will increase when contact is re-established with outlying areas.

A state of natural disaster has been declared for 30 days as emergency services scramble to provide food and clothing to the worst affected areas.

The superstorm slammed into Fiji's second-largest island Vanua Levu late Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction and affecting 93,000 people, according to the National Disaster Management Office.

Of the 24,000 people who evacuated their homes at the height of the storm, 16,113 are still unable to return.

A New Zealand Air Force reconnaissance flight flew over the area on Saturday to assess the scale of the damage, with reports of houses, crops and entire livelihoods wiped out.

The storm also damaged schools and caused widespread flooding and landslides.

"We've been receiving pictures of Kia island. We have seen total devastation. It looks like a war zone," Save the Children Fiji chief executive Shairana Ali told AFP.

"Houses have been smashed to pieces and nothing remains. People are really desperate for shelter and desperate for food. There's obviously huge psychological damage."

Communications with the eastern Lau islands group were cut during the storm and the extent of damage there was unknown.

National Disaster Management Office director Vasiti Soki said that while it would take days to assess the full scale of the damage, "we are likely looking at hundreds of millions of dollars."

She said the immediate focus was on restoring critical infrastructure, re-establishing communication with severely affected areas and maintaining public safety.

The deaths of a 45-year-old man and a three-month-old baby were confirmed after the storm swept through on Friday, and Soko said two more bodies had since been found.

One, a 70-year-old man, was inside his home when the roof blew away and timber fell on his head.

"There were villages that were totally wiped out by the storm surge and the only clothes (the villagers have) are those on their backs," Fiji Red Cross operations manager Maciu Nokelvu told AFP.

"We are providing temporary shelters with the provision of tarpaulins and shelter toolkits, and dry clothes.

"The most devastated area is in the second largest island Vanua Levu; however, we haven't received any information from the Lau group of islands on the eastern side."

More than 10,000 food parcels were being prepared for distribution on Sunday.

Yasa weakened after leaving Fiji and initially headed towards Tonga.

It has since veered south, away from the islands, although a heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory remain in force for parts of Tonga.

The devastation in Fiji following Cyclone Yasa was compared to a war zone Saturday as reconnaissance flights showed entire villages wiped out and authorities put the cost at hundreds of millions of dollars.

The devastation in Fiji following Cyclone Yasa was compared to a war zone Saturday as reconnaissance flights showed entire villages wiped out and authorities put the cost at hundreds of millions of dollars. The death toll rose to four with aid workers fearing it will increase when contact is re-established with outlying areas. A state of natural disaster has been declared for 30 days as emergency services scramble to provide food and clothing to the worst affected areas. The superstorm slammed into Fiji's second-largest island Vanua Levu late Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction and affecting 93,000 people, according to the National Disaster Management Office. Of the 24,000 people who evacuated their homes at the height of the storm, 16,113 are still unable to return. A New Zealand Air Force reconnaissance flight flew over the area on Saturday to assess the scale of the damage, with reports of houses, crops and entire livelihoods wiped out. The storm also damaged schools and caused widespread flooding and landslides. "We've been receiving pictures of Kia island. We have seen total devastation. It looks like a war zone," Save the Children Fiji chief executive Shairana Ali told AFP. "Houses have been smashed to pieces and nothing remains. People are really desperate for shelter and desperate for food. There's obviously huge psychological damage." Communications with the eastern Lau islands group were cut during the storm and the extent of damage there was unknown. National Disaster Management Office director Vasiti Soki said that while it would take days to assess the full scale of the damage, "we are likely looking at hundreds of millions of dollars." She said the immediate focus was on restoring critical infrastructure, re-establishing communication with severely affected areas and maintaining public safety. The deaths of a 45-year-old man and a three-month-old baby were confirmed after the storm swept through on Friday, and Soko said two more bodies had since been found. One, a 70-year-old man, was inside his home when the roof blew away and timber fell on his head. "There were villages that were totally wiped out by the storm surge and the only clothes (the villagers have) are those on their backs," Fiji Red Cross operations manager Maciu Nokelvu told AFP. "We are providing temporary shelters with the provision of tarpaulins and shelter toolkits, and dry clothes. "The most devastated area is in the second largest island Vanua Levu; however, we haven't received any information from the Lau group of islands on the eastern side." More than 10,000 food parcels were being prepared for distribution on Sunday. Yasa weakened after leaving Fiji and initially headed towards Tonga. It has since veered south, away from the islands, although a heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory remain in force for parts of Tonga.

Fiji scrambles to provide aid as cyclone toll rises

Super cyclone Yasa flattened entire villages as it tore through Fiji, with one person reported dead -- a 46-year-old farmer from the Labasa region of Vanua Levu, who died when a wall of his house collapsed on top of him.

Cyclone Yasa, a top category five storm, made landfall over Bua province on the northern island of Vanua Levu on Thursday evening, bringing torrential rain, widespread flooding and winds of up to 285 km per hour (177 miles) across the archipelago.

The storm triggered floods, landslides and blackouts before moving out to sea early Friday, where it rapidly weakened to a Category Three system.

Fiji had on Thursday declared a state of natural disaster, ordered its entire population of nearly 1 million people to seek shelter and implemented a nightly curfew.

The Red Cross said it was scrambling response teams amid "extensive destruction" in Vanua Levu's Bua region and other coastal communities inundated by storm surges.

Aid agencies had pre-positioned supplies across the country in anticipation of major disasters during cyclone season, which runs until May.

Fiji's National Disaster Management Office said there were about 24,500 people sheltering in almost 500 evacuation centres across the country.

Authorities had issued dire warnings about the danger posed by the cyclone for most of the week, urging people to find solid structures or flee to higher ground if they live on the coast.

Authorities remain concerned about heavy rains bought by Cyclone Yasa, though the storm has weakened in strength and is now just a category two as it moves south across the island chain.

Still, the adverse weather has hampered efforts by aid groups to dispatch assistance, with waves of more than 3 metres (10 ft) preventing ships leaving Suva.

Yasa is the third Category Five storm to hit Fiji since 2016, when Cyclone Winston killed 44 people and destroyed tens of thousands of homes.

The most recent was Cyclone Harold, which claimed 31 lives as it tracked through the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga in April this year.

(with inputs from agencies)

Super cyclone Yasa flattened entire villages as it tore through Fiji, with one person reported dead -- a 46-year-old farmer from the Labasa region of Vanua Levu, who died when a wall of his house collapsed on top of him.

Super cyclone Yasa flattened entire villages as it tore through Fiji, with one person reported dead -- a 46-year-old farmer from the Labasa region of Vanua Levu, who died when a wall of his house collapsed on top of him. Cyclone Yasa, a top category five storm, made landfall over Bua province on the northern island of Vanua Levu on Thursday evening, bringing torrential rain, widespread flooding and winds of up to 285 km per hour (177 miles) across the archipelago. The storm triggered floods, landslides and blackouts before moving out to sea early Friday, where it rapidly weakened to a Category Three system. Fiji had on Thursday declared a state of natural disaster, ordered its entire population of nearly 1 million people to seek shelter and implemented a nightly curfew. The Red Cross said it was scrambling response teams amid "extensive destruction" in Vanua Levu's Bua region and other coastal communities inundated by storm surges. Aid agencies had pre-positioned supplies across the country in anticipation of major disasters during cyclone season, which runs until May. Fiji's National Disaster Management Office said there were about 24,500 people sheltering in almost 500 evacuation centres across the country. Authorities had issued dire warnings about the danger posed by the cyclone for most of the week, urging people to find solid structures or flee to higher ground if they live on the coast. Authorities remain concerned about heavy rains bought by Cyclone Yasa, though the storm has weakened in strength and is now just a category two as it moves south across the island chain. Still, the adverse weather has hampered efforts by aid groups to dispatch assistance, with waves of more than 3 metres (10 ft) preventing ships leaving Suva. Yasa is the third Category Five storm to hit Fiji since 2016, when Cyclone Winston killed 44 people and destroyed tens of thousands of homes. The most recent was Cyclone Harold, which claimed 31 lives as it tracked through the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga in April this year. (with inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Yasa levels entire villages, leaves extensive damage in Fiji

Tonga and Fiji were bracing for potentially catastrophic damage as tropical cyclones Zazu and Yasa intensified off their coastlines

Fiji govt announces nationwide curfew as category-5 storm Yasa to make landfall

Fijians living in the path of an approaching super cyclone Yasa were told to stay put inside their homes or immediately seek adequate shelter on Wednesday. The authorities have warned that the storm has the potential to destroy buildings and cause mass destruction.&nbsp;

The Fiji Meteorological Service said Cyclone Yasa had intensified to top-of-the scale Category Five storm the winds are expected to gust upto 280 kilometres per hour (174 miles per hour). Fiji's National Disaster Management Office said tow-thirds of Fiji's population of 900,000 is in the cyclone's path. Cyclone Yasa is expected to hit Fiji on Thursday.

National Disaster Management Office director Vasiti Soko urged anyone who doubted their home's structural integrity to prioritise survival over protecting their property and escape right away.

"If you need to move to an evacuation centre, we are pleading that you move before it gets dark," Soko said.

"If you know that your house cannot survive strong winds, let alone the cat five cyclone that is on the way, please take yourselves, your children and your valuables to the evacuation centre."

Soko said Cyclone Yasa was likely to have a larger impact than Cyclone Harold in April this year, another Category Five storm that gouged a trail of destruction across the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga.

In Fijian capital Suva, residents were boarding up their windows and storefronts

Fiji's military is on alert in order to carry out swift rescue and salvage efforts.

Category Five cyclones were once rare but have now become much common in Fiji.

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama among those blaming the trend on climate change.

"We can see the eye (of Cyclone Yasa) and the area that's of concern -- it's not just part of Fiji like Harold, it's the whole of Fiji," Soko said.

"It's strong enough to uproot trees. It's strong enough to uproot buildings that are not well secured. It can also create a lot of flying debris."

She added that authorities were considering a curfew and movement restrictions, with Fiji's military on standby if needed.

(With AFP inputs)

Fijians living in the path of an approaching super cyclone Yasa were told to stay put inside their homes or immediately seek adequate shelter on Wednesday. The authorities have warned that the storm has the potential to destroy buildings and cause mass destruction.

Fijians living in the path of an approaching super cyclone Yasa were told to stay put inside their homes or immediately seek adequate shelter on Wednesday. The authorities have warned that the storm has the potential to destroy buildings and cause mass destruction. The Fiji Meteorological Service said Cyclone Yasa had intensified to top-of-the scale Category Five storm the winds are expected to gust upto 280 kilometres per hour (174 miles per hour). Fiji's National Disaster Management Office said tow-thirds of Fiji's population of 900,000 is in the cyclone's path. Cyclone Yasa is expected to hit Fiji on Thursday. National Disaster Management Office director Vasiti Soko urged anyone who doubted their home's structural integrity to prioritise survival over protecting their property and escape right away. "If you need to move to an evacuation centre, we are pleading that you move before it gets dark," Soko said. "If you know that your house cannot survive strong winds, let alone the cat five cyclone that is on the way, please take yourselves, your children and your valuables to the evacuation centre." Soko said Cyclone Yasa was likely to have a larger impact than Cyclone Harold in April this year, another Category Five storm that gouged a trail of destruction across the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. In Fijian capital Suva, residents were boarding up their windows and storefronts Fiji's military is on alert in order to carry out swift rescue and salvage efforts. Category Five cyclones were once rare but have now become much common in Fiji. Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama among those blaming the trend on climate change. "We can see the eye (of Cyclone Yasa) and the area that's of concern -- it's not just part of Fiji like Harold, it's the whole of Fiji," Soko said. "It's strong enough to uproot trees. It's strong enough to uproot buildings that are not well secured. It can also create a lot of flying debris." She added that authorities were considering a curfew and movement restrictions, with Fiji's military on standby if needed. (With AFP inputs)

Fiji braces for impact as super Cyclone Yasa approaches

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